The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting a public meeting to provide information regarding the planned construction of an overpass at the US 51/Lincoln County C/North Star Road intersection. The new overpass will carry Lincoln County C and North Star Road traffic over US 51.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Town of Merrill Community Center, W4594 Progress Ave., Merrill, from 5-7 p.m. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. The presentation will focus on the history of US 51 in this area and why this location was selected for an overpass. After the presentation, the meeting will follow an open house format. Exhibits will be on display and WisDOT representatives will be available to answer questions.
Constructing an overpass at this location, when safety and traffic needs warrant, has been part of the long-term plans for US 51 since the 1990s. Recently, the crash history at the intersection of US 51/Lincoln County C/North Star Road has put the intersection in the top 5 percent of rural intersection crashes in Wisconsin. Due to safety concerns at this location, funding was approved through WisDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program for the construction of an overpass.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2013. During construction motorists who want to cross US 51 on Lincoln County C/North Star Road will be detoured. The detour route has not been finalized at this time. US 51 will remain open during construction with some single lane closures.
Citizens who are hearing-impaired and who require an interpreter may request one by contacting Kristin McHugh at 715.421.8380 at least three working days prior to the meeting.