Wisconsin DOT Construction Project Updates

 

Stage 2 Closes US 51 from West of County Hwy N to Church Street, beginning June 23, 2025 - Mid-August (tentative)

 

Stage 1 Closure remains in effect east of Spring Road to east of the County Road N intersection until mid-July 2025

 

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. 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. This communication focuses on how Phase 2 and continuing work on Phase 1 impact travel in Stoughton.

 

 

Phase 1 Road Closure:        

US 51 east of Spring Street to County N 

North/South traffic remains open on Hwy N.  

Estimated Phase 1 Timeline:      

Remains Closed until mid-July, 2025

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.  

Estimated Phase 2 Timeline:      

June 23, 2025 - Mid-August (tentative)

Impacted Routes:                      

The intersection at US 51 and County Hwy N will be closed to traffic trying to turn right or left onto US 51/Main Street.
Exit 156 will remain open, but closures begin at Spring Road. 

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
US 51 West of Church Street remains open until later phases of the project

 

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