MARINETTE COUNTY – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region announced construction operations and full highway closure for the replacement of 42 deteriorating culverts on WIS 180 from WIS 64 to US 141 in Marinette County — between the Village of Wausaukee and the City of Marinette — will begin Monday, July 20. The project is expected to finish in the fall of 2026.
Project improvements

Inspections have determined that the existing culverts are nearing the end of their service life and are showing significant deterioration. This culvert replacement project includes the following key elements:

• BULLET Removal of 42 deteriorating culverts and installation of new culverts
• BULLET Removal and replacement of associated beam guard and pavement at pipe culvert locations
• BULLET Minor grading at pipe culvert endwalls
  Schedule

Culvert replacement construction will occur in two stages between July 20 and Oct. 2026.
Stage 1 begins July 20 between WIS 64 and County X. Work will start on the south end near WIS 64 and proceed northward. This stage is anticipated to be completed by mid-August. For culverts south of County X, traffic will be detoured via US 141 and WIS 64.

Traffic impacts

WIS 180 will be closed to through traffic and detoured in two separate stages during culvert replacement beginning July 20.

Local access will be maintained for businesses, properties and emergency services within the project work zone. Brief temporary interruptions in driveway access — typically one to two hours — may occur, and the contractor will notify affected homeowners and businesses in advance.

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time and follow all detour signage and traffic control measures.

Project benefits

These upgrades will restore reliable drainage, significantly reduce the risk of washouts, flooding, road closures and erosion during heavy rain or snowmelt events. The project will enhance highway safety for motorists, extend the service life of the roadway, lower long-term maintenance costs and provide a smoother, more dependable travel experience along this rural corridor.

This project is the first of three planned improvements for WIS 180 in this corridor, with two additional resurfacing projects scheduled for construction in 2027 and 2030.
Visit https://projects.511wi.gov/wis180mar/ for more information.