Crews continue Highway 45 roadwork

The Department of Transportation is in the midst of a project on Highway 45, where several improvements are planned, including resurfacing and reconstruction. The DOT reports some delays, citing rainy weather, but has made progress since March 20 (Earlene Frederick/The Report).

By Jason Arndt
Editor

Despite recent rainfalls, the Department of Transportation reported progress on the Highway 45 construction project, which started March 20.

The project extending from the Wisconsin/Illinois state line north to Highway 50 includes resurfacing, reconstruction and other transportation improvements in the Village of Bristol.

“Minor rain delays have taken place but a lot of progress has been made to date,” said Daniel Sellers of the Southeast Region Communications Unit.

Since March 20, crews have relocated utilities, cleared and grubbed surfaces, installed erosion control devices and milled asphalt on the southbound lanes from 86th Street southward towards to the state line.

Also, Highway C received a new lane configuration and crews are working to widen the shoulder on the southbound lanes of Highway 45 between 86th Street and Highway C.

Additionally, with plans to replace traffic signals at the intersections of Highway A2/WG and Highway C, the DOT removed both lights.

“A full roadway closure has been implemented from County C to County WG, and from County C to 86th Street with a signed detour,” Sellers said.

For motorists planning to use Highway 45 heading into Illinois, they are directed east on Highway 50 until Interstate 94, and in turn, head southbound on Interstate 94.

From Interstate 94, motorists are directed west on Route 173 in Wadsworth, until they reconnect with Highway 45 near Antioch.

While Highway 45 is closed, Project Leader Jeff Kuhn is reminding motorists to use marked detours, citing safety.

“There is a lot of trucks coming through, like dump trucks, and other vehicles,” Kuhn said, noting the local traffic only barricades.

“Local traffic means, you either work, or you live within the barricades.”

Next on the agenda
The Department of Transportation, which estimates completion of the project by the fall, said crews are continuing to relocate utilities, widen shoulders of the southbound lanes.

Along the southbound lanes, they plan to excavate for right turn lanes and replace driveway culverts, said Sellers.

With Bristol Progress Days set for July 7-9, the DOT plans to provide a 24-foot smooth gravel roadway north of 86th Street, Sellers states.

“The asphalt roadway will be completed from 86th Street to the south limits by the time the event begins,” he said. “No work will be done during Bristol Progress Days.”


Posted

in

,

by

Tags: