Some roads will be closed through most of 2022 as DOT expands I-43, fixes bridges and more

The state Department of Transportation has announced new details for its I-43 north-south reconstruction and expansion project.

Preparatory work started in August for the 14-mile project between Silver Spring Drive in Glendale and Highway 60 in Grafton. Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2025.

According to the state Department of Transportation:

In 2019, Gov. Tony Evers approved $500 million to fund the project, which will expand I-43 from four to six lanes — adding one lane in each direction — and reconstruct five existing interchanges, at Good Hope Road, Brown Deer Road, County Line Road, Mequon Road and Pioneer Road.

“WisDOT has maintained these interchanges, bridges, and pavement for over 50 years,” said a news release from the Department of Transportation. “The structures and pavement are at the end of their useful life cycle.”

The project will also construct a new interchange at Highland Road, replace the Union Pacific railroad bridge over I-43 in Glendale and expand Port Washington Road in Glendale from two lanes to four between Bender Road and Daphne Lane.

Construction this year will focus on expanding and improving the North End and County Line/Port Washington Road interchange segments.

2022 construction plans

Starting Feb. 21, a stretch of Highland Road, between Port Washington Road and Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, will be closed until fall. 

In early spring, Highland Road, east of Lake Shore Drive, will be reconstructed; completion is expected this fall. Bidirectional traffic will be maintained. All lanes will be shifted to the west at Port Washington and Highland roads.

The DOT suggests travelers use Lake Drive and Port Washington and Pioneer Roads as a detour route.

The department’s 2022 construction outlook details additional work slated for this year. 

Upcoming closures for the County Line/Port Washington Road segment include:

• Lakefield Road, under I-43, will close in summer for overhead temporary bridge construction.
• Falls Road, over I-43, will close mid-March through fall for bridge reconstruction.
• Pioneer Road, east of I-43 and Lake Shore Drive, will be closed early fall through late winter for reconstruction.
• The County Line Road entrance ramp to I-43 south and I-43 north exit to Port Washington Road will remain closed through mid-2023.
• Port Washington Road, between Port Washington Lane and County Line Road in Bayside, will close early March through fall for bridge, roadway and ramp construction. Port Washington road will be accessible to Katherine Drive until late summer.
• Donges Bay Road, between Port Washington Road and Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, is scheduled to close early 2022 through late summer during bridge reconstruction over I-43.
• Katherine Drive between Zedler Lane and Port Washington Road will close late summer through fall for box culvert, roadway and ramp construction.

The interstate is scheduled to remain open to two lanes in each direction during peak travel times while maintaining access to businesses and residences.

Eddie Morales can be reached at 414-223-5366 or eddie.morales@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @emoralesnews.