Wisconsin DOT Construction Project Updates

 

Phase 3 Update Closes US 51 from Church Street to Fifth Street.

Construction on the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) US 51 project began on March 24, 2025. This multi-year, multi-phase project has already brought many necessary and exciting improvements to US 51. After speaking with the Department of Transportation and its contractor, the Department of Public Works is providing an update on the status of the final phase of this year's Highway 51 Construction project. 

 

The estimated completion date is now November 26th. The elements projected to be completed by that date, including opening the road to traffic for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Saturday Shopping, are the roadway, curb/gutter, and sidewalks.

 

The pilings for the retaining wall will be completed this year. The balance of that project will be completed in 2026. The wall poured around the pilings has estimated completion timeline of 6-7 weeks in Spring 2026. The Department of Public Works and the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce continue to advocate for Stoughton and those impacted by the construction. 

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. 

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 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 3 Timeline:      

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

Impacted Routes:                       ​

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