U.S. 63 bridge project begins in Drummond

Construction is underway on U.S. 63 in Drummond as crews begin a two-year project. The work will remove the box culvert and dam structure that carries the Long Lake Branch under the highway and replace it with a bridge.

Governor Tony Evers approved a $4.59 million contract for the project. Northern Interstate Construction of Superior is completing the work. The existing culvert was built in 1931 and has reached the end of its service life.

This year, crews will draw down Mill Pond, realign the stream and build a temporary bypass. The bypass will carry traffic during bridge construction in 2027.

U.S. 63 will remain open for most of the construction season. Drivers should expect a single lane controlled by temporary traffic signals from mid-July through at least mid-September.

Later this season, the highway will close for up to seven days while crews install a temporary culvert. During the closure, traffic will be detoured via County Highway N, County Highway A, U.S. 2, and U.S. 63.

Work will pause for the winter and resume next spring. In 2027, crews will remove the box culvert and dam structure, build the new bridge, remove the temporary bypass and place new pavement markings.

During that time, U.S. 63 will remain open, but motorist will use a single-lane bypass to get around the work zone.

WisDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and avoid using handheld cell phones in work zones. Handheld phone use is illegal in Wisconsin work zones.