Modernizing a Vital Commercial Hub: The Two-Year STH 31 Reconstruction Begins
A.W. Oakes & Son is proud to announce the commencement of the State Trunk Highway 31 (STH 31) reconstruction project. As one of the region’s most heavily traveled commercial corridors, this project represents significant investment in the longevity, safety, and connectivity of our local infrastructure.
Phase One: Setting the Foundation
We are currently in the pre-construction phase, a period defined by technical preparation and safety staging. The public will first notice the installation of temporary traffic signals, which are essential for managing vehicle flow throughout the upcoming phases of work.
Starting in mid-April, the project will enter its first significant construction phase. Our crews will begin by removing and paving the median islands to create temporary lanes to carry traffic as we move into the full-scale reconstruction of the northbound lanes.
Beyond the Pavement: 90,000 Square Feet of Connectivity
The true impact of this project lies beneath your wheels. Once complete, Oakes will have placed nearly 20,000 cubic yards of concrete pavement providing a brand new, smooth riding surface built on a strong base that will last for decades. The existing pavement structure in this corridor has reached a point where it is well beyond its useful life, making full reconstruction the only viable long-term solution.
However, the most transformative change the traveling public will see is the addition of over 90,000 square feet of new sidewalks. This additional pedestrian infrastructure will:
- Connect Communities: Provide a continuous pedestrian link from STH 11 to STH 20.
- Improve Accessibility: Feature new pathways on both sides of the road.
- Enhance Safety: Separate pedestrian traffic from the high-volume commercial vehicle traffic that defines the STH 31 corridor.
Building for the Next Generation
“The pavement structure in this busy commercial corridor is well beyond its useful life,” notes Project Manager Connor McMahon, P.E. “The most significant change the traveling public will see is a new, smooth riding pavement surface. Additionally, this project will add more than 90,000 square feet of sidewalks along STH 31, connecting STH 11 to STH 20 on both sides of the road, providing increased pedestrian access and safety.”
As a two-year project, the STH 31 reconstruction will require patience and precision. Above all, A.W. Oakes & Son is committed to maintaining a safe work zone for our crews and the traveling public as we move through each phase. We look forward to sharing "behind the scenes" updates as we rebuild this essential piece of Wisconsin’s infrastructure.
