WisDot Safety Improvement Project At US 53/WIS 77 Intersection In Minong To Start

News Release

WASHBURN COUNTY -- To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $1.25 million contract for a safety improvement project at the intersection of US 53 and WIS 77 in the Washburn County village of Minong. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, May 3.

James Peterson Sons, Inc. of Medford is the prime contractor for the project. To reduce the number of right-angle crashes, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) plans to:

• Close the existing US 53-WIS 77 intersection.
• Construct a J-turn, an intersection that reduces conflict points that can lead to crashes at crossings by rerouting left-turning and through traffic from the side road.

Once the J-turn is built, traffic on US 53 will be able to turn right or left onto WIS 77. However, traffic on WIS 77 will be able to turn right only, and through traffic or traffic wanting to turn left from WIS 77 will turn right and then make a U-turn using one of two median crossovers – each located on US 53 about 900 feet north and south of WIS 77.

US 53 will remain open to traffic during construction, but traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction in the work zone. Motorists also should watch for lane width restrictions on WIS 77.

Construction is scheduled for completion in late July. The schedule is dependent on favorable weather conditions and construction progress.

For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s Northwest Region:

Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.