Road construction could cause delays for travelers heading north for Labor Day

As people head north to spend the unofficial final weekend of summer in Headwaters Country, travelers should be aware of some road construction projects that are still underway.

State transportation officials are advising motorists to allow extra travel time and expect detours and single-lane closures across Oneida and Forest counties during the busy holiday weekend.

In Oneida County, a major segment of Highway 8 from highways 47 to 17 North is completely closed. The closure, which began April 20 and is scheduled through September, is part of a reconstruction project that will replace existing asphalt and concrete pavement and install centerline rumble strips. The project will also reconstruct the intersections of Highway 17 South and WD Boyce Drive, and Highway G with Highway 8 as single-lane roundabouts.

Crews are currently installing curb and gutter and beginning asphalt paving on the closed Highway 8 segment. Motorists are being detoured onto Highway 17 North, Lincoln Street, South Courtney Street, Pelham Street, Arbutus Street, and Kemp Street.

Also in Oneida County, drivers on Highway 45 will encounter single-lane closures and flaggers between highways 8 and 32. Crews on that stretch are continuing asphalt paving as part of a resurfacing project scheduled to run through Oct. 2. The Highway 45 project also includes replacing 22 culverts, adjusting and replacing guardrails, and installing centerline mumble strips.

In Forest County, thru traffic is blocked on Highway 32 from Highway 8 to the Crandon Railroad Overhead. Crews are scheduled to begin ditch and sidewalk removals as part of a project running through September.

The work includes replacing asphalt pavement, installing a new storm sewer and stormwater pond, and replacing sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.

Highway 32 is closed to thru traffic and detoured via highways 8, 45 and 32. Local traffic is still permitted to access homes and businesses along the route.

Travelers seeking real-time project updates can visit state construction websites at projects.511wi.gov/us8rhinelander/ and projects.511wi.gov/us45threelakes/.