WisDOT update: Project sealing bridge decks, columns on Highway 53 to start

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $212,288 contract with prime contractor Norcon Corp. of Schofield for a project sealing concrete bridge decks that carry Highway 53 traffic and columns on structures that go over Highway 53 in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Barron, Washburn and Douglas counties. Work is scheduled to start Monday.

To prevent chloride infiltration and extend the surface lives of the 65 structures, the state Department of Transportation project will: clean concrete surfaces on bridges, and coat the decks and columns with a concrete sealing compound.

The contractor plans to start at the County AA over Highway 53 in Eau Claire and work north, ending at the Highway 53 bridge over Hill Avenue. Some work will be completed during nighttime hours.

During construction, motorists will encounter temporary lane closures on Highway 53 as crews complete work at each structure. The following ramps will require one off-peak closure between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. to complete operations:

• Chippewa County: Highway 53 northbound on-ramp from westbound Highway 29.

• Barron County: Highway 53 northbound off-ramp to County V.

Construction is scheduled for completion in late July, but work is weather dependent.

For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s Northwest Region: Follow us on Twitter: @WisDOTnorthwest or visit the region’s 511 website: projects.511wi.gov/region/northwest/

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, focus should always be on driving.