Several roads in Jefferson and Walworth counties will see improvements, according to information released by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and the office of Gov. Tony Evers.

An announcement this month noted that the governor has approved a $2.12 million improvement project along State Highway 16, from State Highway 67 to Rock River Road in Waukesha and Jefferson counties.

Additionally, the Governor’s office recently announced that some $3.9 million will be invested to reconstruct the State Highway 19 Main Street Bridge over the Rock River in Watertown.

Also recently announced, Evers and the DOT will be making two additions to the Rustic Roads Program, which provides lightly traveled scenic routes throughout the state. Among the additions will be a portion of Rustic Road 126, which crosses Honey Creek in Walworth County.

State Highway 16 improvements

As stated in the release, an improvement project along State Highway 16 began April 16, with the prime contract awarded to Rock Road Companies, Inc.

Improvements will include mill and overlay on Highway 16 within the project limits, base patching, widening at shoulder points, and guard rail improvements.

Motorists should be prepared for single lane closures in four-lane sections of Highway 16.

According to the release, at least one lane of travel will be maintained in each direction during construction. Motorists also will encounter flagging operations in two-lane section of the highway and on ramps to Wisconsin Avenue.

Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained.

Work is scheduled for completion this fall. All work is weather dependent and subject to change, the release read.

Further information may be found on the DOT project webpage: https://projects.511wi.gov/16countyline/.

Watertown Main Street Bridge reconstruction

Work on the State Highway 19 Main Street  over the Rock River in Watertown will begin Monday.

According to a recent news release, Zenith Tech, Inc. is the prime contractor for the project, which is designed to replace the bridge, along with adjacent concrete approaches, as well as install new lighting and concrete sidewalk.

During construction, the bridge will be closed to through traffic between North Water Street and North First Street, with motorists using State Highway 26 and State Highway 16. The Cady Street Bridge will serve as a detour for pedestrians, the release noted.

The project is scheduled to complete this fall. The schedule is dependent on favorable weather conditions and construction progress, the release read.

More information about the bridge reconstruction project and traffic impacts will be made available through the Wisconsin DOT Southern Region’s 511 website: SouthWest – 511 WI Projects.

“Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving,” the release advises.

More Rustic Roads

The Rustic Roads Program was begun in 1973, according to information released by the governor’s office and the DOT.

“The Rustic Roads Program has encouraged folks to get outside and enjoy scenic routes in every corner of the state. No matter where you go or what season you travel, Wisconsin’s rustic roads underscore the rich history of our state and highlight the vast and vibrant natural resources that we are working hard to preserve for future generations to enjoy,” Evers was quoted as saying in the release.

A new route, Rustic Road 125, will include a mix of pavement and gravel for 9.4 miles near the American Birkebeiner Trail in Northwestern Wisconsin’s forests, the release stated.

The second new route, Rustic Road 126, in Walworth County, passes a former one-room schoolhouse. In total, the 126 Rustic Road routes span approximately 760 miles in 61 counties.

“These two new additions to the Rustic Roads program are at opposite ends of the state—one passes under the dense canopy of our Northwoods, the other crosses Southeastern Wisconsin’s rich farmland near one of the state’s early schoolhouses. In both cases, local communities nominated these routes to offer something special, and on behalf of all of us who enjoy a path less traveled, we thank them for their collaboration,” DOT Secretary Craig Thompson was quoted as saying in the release.

Rustic roads range from two miles to 37 miles and have a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour. Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated rustic roads, according to the release.

While the DOT oversees the Rustic Roads Program, the roads remain under local government authority.

For more information about the state’s rustic roads, visit the DOT website: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/rustic-roads/maps.aspx.