WisDOT maintains full communication and works closely with local businesses that are impacted by ramp and lane closures. The team coordinates all lane closures with local businesses and informs them of what is closing and when. WisDOT informs the public and provides alternate routes to them so they are able to access these businesses during construction. In This Together is a WisDOT program aimed at businesses affected by road construction. Visit the In This Together program’s website for ideas and examples of how businesses not only survive, but thrive during a construction project. The program includes a workbook and case studies that demonstrate techniques that have been successfully used in communities throughout Wisconsin. This program is offered to business and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for construction in their area.

Throughout construction access to all businesses will be maintained. Certain lane or road closures may require a driveway or sidewalk to be closed, but there will always be a way for vehicles and pedestrians to access the businesses in the construction work zones.

Those residents living near a work zone will experience an increase in construction vehicles, dirt and dust levels, and noise levels throughout the duration of the project. WisDOT monitors the contractors closely to ensure they are utilizing dirt and dust control measures. Drilling and boring are usually restricted to daylight hours to reduce noise levels during the night. However, there may occasionally be construction-related noise between the hours of 9:00pm and 5:00am. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding construction activity, noise levels, or dust and dirt levels that affect you, contact the project team via email at zooicteam@gmail.com.

Construction of the Zoo Interchange North Leg began in early 2021 and is anticipated to continue through late 2023.  The Zoo Interchange North Leg project includes:

• Reconstruction and expansion of I-41 to 4 lanes/direction between Swan Blvd and Burleigh St, including the I-41 bridges over:
  • Underwood Parkway
  • the CPRR, Underwood Creek and Mayfair Rd/WIS 100
  • and North Ave
• Reconstruction of the south Burleigh St interchange ramps at I-41
• Reconstruction of the North Ave interchange at I-41
• Reconstruction of North Ave at I-41
• Reconstruction of the I-41 NB exit to Mayfair Rd
• Reconstruction of Meinecke Ave Bridge over I-41
• Reconstruction of the UPRR bridge over I-41

Reconstruction of the UPRR bridge over I-41 requires construction of a temporary structure over I-41 while the permanent UPRR bridge is being reconstructed.

Lastly, the Zoo Interchange North Leg project also includes bridge polymer overlays on all Zoo Interchange bridges and overpasses, and a pavement marking refresh within the entire Zoo Interchange project limits.

The Zoo Interchange North Leg project is the last leg of the Zoo Interchange project.  This project will complete the northern leg of I-41 from Swan Blvd to Burleigh St.  The goals for the design included: improving safety, reducing congestion, replacing aging infrastructure and outdated design, and investing in the future of Wisconsin’s economy.