Traffic delays expected on I-43/Leo Frigo Bridge project in Brown County

May 16, 2012

Construction starts Monday, May 21

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region is announcing work begins Monday, May 21 on a $17 million project to improve the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge and approximately 3.5 miles of I-43, from Irwin Avenue to Military Avenue in Brown County. Motorists need to be aware that the construction will significantly impact traffic on I-43.

The highway averages 40,000 vehicles per day and for the majority of construction in 2012, all traffic is being reduced to one lane of operation in each direction. Continuous closures will be in place for the southbound I-43 on-ramp at Atkinson Drive and northbound I-43 on-ramp at Webster Avenue. WisDOT is urging motorists to plan for extensive delays and to seek alternate routes.

According to WisDOT NE Region Director Will Dorsey, "We recognize this project will significantly impact a major traffic route through the Green Bay area. I ask that the public be patient, stay alert in the construction zone and when possible, choose alternate routes for their travels."

The purpose of this project, scheduled for completion in July 2013, is to rehabilitate the existing I-43 pavement and Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge prior to the reconstruction of the I-43 and Velp Avenue interchanges at US 41. Those two interchanges are part of the US 41 Project and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.

The I-43/Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge project includes:

• Pavement repair and resurfacing of Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge
• Bridge joint replacement on I-43 over the Fox River and Military Avenue over I-43
• Painting of steel girders over Fox River
• Deck repairs on Atkinson Drive and Military Avenue bridges over I-43
• Concrete pavement repairs on I-43 between Irwin Avenue and Military Avenue and on-ramps at Webster Avenue and Atkinson Drive
• Installation of traffic cameras, dynamic message signs and ramp gates

Project schedule

2012 Construction

• May – November 2012
  • Southbound I-43 on-ramp from Atkinson Drive closed
  • Northbound I-43 on-ramp from Webster Avenue closed
  • I-43 will remain open to one lane of traffic in each direction during construction
  • Occasional overnight closures on northbound I-43 off-ramp to Webster Avenue
• August – November 2012
  • Southbound I-43 off-ramp closed at Webster Avenue

2013 Construction

• May – June 2013
  • Southbound I-43 on-ramp from Atkinson Drive closed
  • Northbound I-43 on-ramp from Webster Avenue closed
  • Lane closures on I-43 to occur in each direction Monday-Friday

More project information

For current information on the project schedule and traffic impacts, visit the I-43/Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge project website.

For more information, contact:
Kris Schuller, US 41 Project communications manager
(920) 492-4109, kris.schuller@dot.wi.gov