The construction of a new overpass at the US 51/Lincoln County C/North Star Road intersection, located in the town of Merrill, is currently scheduled to begin as early as Monday, May 6. The schedule is dependent on favorable weather conditions.
The public is invited to attend a construction information meeting to learn more about the planned construction activities, the construction schedule and how traffic will be managed.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, from 5-6 p.m., at the Town of Merrill Community Center, W4594 Progress Ave., Merrill. A presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m.
The prime contractor for the $1.8 million overpass project is S and N Incorporated of Merrill. Crews will build a new overpass to improve safety at this location. WisDOT analysis of the crash history at this rural expressway location identified the intersection of US 51/Lincoln County C/North Star Road as a priority highway safety project need. The overpass was also identified as the most cost effective solution to address the relative high number of collisions and injuries.
Once construction begins, crews will permanently remove Lincoln County C access to US 51. The North Star Road access to US 51 will be permanently closed following improvements to the railroad crossing on North Star Road.
US 51 will remain open during construction. Motorists can expect single lane closures. Some nighttime closures of US 51 will be required to set girders for the overpass. During these nighttime closures, traffic will be detoured via Lincoln County K.
Construction is scheduled for completion by late September 2013.
One hundred percent of the project will be paid for with state transportation funds.