Plans & Projects > Find by location > NW Region > US 53 Corridor > Northern Douglas County Area

US 53 Corridor Preservation Study, Northern Douglas County Area (WCL Railroad to Superior) - Need/purpose

Why is this project needed?

• To develop a long-term vision for the corridor that would update its designation as a statutorily (Wis. Stats. 84.295) declared freeway/expressway.
• To officially map and thus preserve the future right of way footprint necessary to construct the improvements that would be needed.
• It is critical to preserve the necessary right of way until such time that construction funds are ultimately obtained.

Project benefits

US 53 is a backbone route in WisDOT’s Corridors 2020 Plan, and this segment of the corridor is part of the National Highway System (NHS).

The plan places a high priority in protecting highway investments that connect major economic/population centers and carry long-distance, statewide traffic.

Between 1969 and 2006, US 53 has experienced several capacity expansion and safety enhancements between La Crosse and Superior. These improvements represented significant investments by WisDOT.

The US 53 corridor has been recognized as an important route with the desire for conversion to a freeway/expressway initiated as early as the late 1960’s.

Questions about the content of this page, contact:
WisDOT Northwest Region Office, nwr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: December 14, 2011