DOT: Flood-Damaged Roads In Northern Wisconsin Won’t Likely Be Ready Until Late Summer

Some flood-damaged roads in northern Wisconsin might not reopen until late August or September, according to officials with the state Department of Transportation.

Most impacted state highways have reopened after major flooding caused extensive damage July 11. But some of the worst hit might be closed for another month or more.

DOT communications manager Gina Paige said state and local road crews have been putting in long hours.

“We’ve been working extremely hard to get many of the roadways open. There are still a few that are long term and we’re hoping to have them open in roughly an August, September time frame at the latest,” she said.

Paige said highway workers are racing to reopen roads in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties.

“I know most of them are looking for a mid-August date, especially in Iron County. I know as well, in Bayfield County, U.S. 63, we’re looking for mid-August but our latest one at the moment is going to be with 169,” she said.

Wisconsin Highway 13 near Mellen remains closed with no word on when work will be completed. U.S. Highway 63 and Wisconsin Highway 122 will reopen by mid-August while Hightway 169 might stay closed until Sept. 30.