Wisconsin DOT Construction Project Updates

 

Phase 2 & 3 Closes US 51 from West of County Hwy N to Church Street (Phase 2) and Church Street to Fifth Street (Phase 3) is scheduled to start THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH.

 

Phase 2's anticipated completion date is scheduled for the end of September. Phase 3 is tentatively scheduled for a mid-November completion. The Wisconsin DOT provides pedestrian access to all businesses within the construction area.

 

The intersection of County Hwy N and Hwy 51 will remain open to north and south-bound traffic through the duration of the project. 

 

The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) US 51 construction begins on March 24, 2025. This multi-year, multi-phase project brings necessary and exciting improvements to US 51 and the need to seek new routes into Stoughton. 

The City of Stoughton Public Works and Stoughton Chamber of Commerce, led by Brett Hebert, Director of Public Works, and Sarah Ebert, Chamber President, respectively, have partnered to share verified project updates through their official communication channels. While local officials do not manage this construction project, Public Works and the Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance of making accurate information available to those they serve: the residents, organizations, businesses, and visitors of Stoughton. 

Three construction phases, from Spring Road to Fifth Street, are scheduled for 2025. The first phase of construction from Spring Street to County N is complete. Phase 2 is tentatively slated to end at the end of September 2025. Phase 3 begins Thursday, September 18th and continues through mid-November (tentative). This year’s project overview is available on the 511 Wisconsin Construction Projects Website. Construction projects often change quickly and often. Public Works receives regular updates from the WisDOT Project Manager. Updates will be shared as the project evolves. 

Phase 2 Road Closure:            

US 51 West of County N to Church Street N.

North/South traffic remains open on Hwy N and Hwy 51.  

Phase 3 Road Closure:            

Church Street N. to Fourth Street 

Traffic will be allowed to access businesses between Fourth and Fifth Streets

Access to businesses between Fifth and the Railroad Tracks should use Sixth and Seventh Streets

 

Estimated Phase 2 Timeline:      

June 23, 2025 - End of September 2025 (tentative)

Estimated Phase 3 Timeline:      

September 18, 2025 - Mid-November 2025 (tentative)

Impacted Routes:                       ​
Westbound traffic on Highway 51 will be closed at Highway N (Veterans Rd.)

Exit 156 will remain open, but closures begin at Veterans Rd. 

Exit 147 at County N is recommended for those unfamiliar with the area.

Open Routes:                             

Exit 147/A via I-39/I-90 remains open
Wi-138 remains open
Co Rd B remains open

 

Stoughton Public Works is working closely with Stoughton Health, Skaalen Retirement Services, the Stoughton Police, EMS, and Fire to create and communicate routes, ensuring that patients, residents, family, and staff have access to both organizations. 

Confirmed Resources:     

         

It is confirmed that WisDOT uses partner portals with Google Maps and Waze to share road closures, which provides users with alternate routes they can follow with confidence. 

There are signs posted around Stoughton marking routes to Downtown Stoughton and the Hospital.  

 

Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Recommended Routes are supplied in the map below. 

 

The three phases of this project include many exciting and necessary improvements to Stoughton’s main artery into and through town. There are also improvements that may not be noticed, like replacing the old water main and sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure. The roadway is being upgraded to all concrete from asphalt. 

 

Quite a few improvements will be visible and valuable to many in Stoughton. This project:

 

• Upgrades signal equipment providing a left turning phase at the County N Intersection
• Reconstructing the existing 2-lane urban section to include a travel lane and bicycle lane in each direction
• Larger terraces on E. Main Street
• New trees planted
• Downtown decorative lighting extended from Fifth Street to the train tracks
• Reconstructing sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• New pedestrian refuge at Ashberry Lane
• Reconstructing the 5th Street retaining wall
• Installing continuous street lighting between Fifth Street and County N