Washington Co., Wi – A $2.9 million resurfacing and improvement project along WIS 144, between Skyline Drive in the city of West Bend, and the Washington/Sheboygan County line is already giving motorists fits. Complaints so far are about a lack of detour signs, no notification about the project, and a “zigzag way to get to where you want to go.”
The project began the week of March 30. What kind of delays are you experiencing?
Improvements include:
- Resurface WIS 144 within project limits
- Remove and replace guardrail
- Replace curb ramps to meet ADA standards
- Remove cattle pass near the county line and replace it with a culvert pipe
Traffic Impacts and Detour:
WIS 144 will be closed to through traffic during construction. This project will be completed in stages.
Stage 1: Skyline Drive to WIS 28 closed to through traffic
- Detour will utilize WIS 33, US 45, and WIS 28
Stage 2: WIS 28 to Washington/Sheboygan County line closed to through traffic
- Detour will utilize County H and County XX
Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained.
Work is scheduled for completion by summer 2026. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Image courtesy WIS DOT
Despite this project being posted online on several sites, there were (and still are) no dates posted, including on WisDOT’s own project page. Perhaps the electronic message boards on Hwy 144 mentioned something, but these were of no help to those who enter 144 from county highway H and never had an opportunity to read them. Many motorists were left to stumble into this closure on Monday because its timing of this was so wasn’t communicated. I can’t wait for the surprise when the closure abruptly shifts to the north to the Hwy 28 concurrence. I’m expecting this to be also inadequately announced and a having a dearth of signage up until you are staring at the actual closure, where no expense was spared with the barricades. Seriously, is it really that hard to send out a press release a couple of business days before work starts?
I also find it a little odd that this project wasn’t somehow combined with the Highway 144/Highway H roundabout project. It will be interesting to see if they resurface 1,250 feet of pavement just to tear it up again in three years.