At 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Northwest Region Communications Manager Christena O’Brien uttered four words that residents have been waiting months to hear: “Highway 29 is open.”

The $12.11 million State Highway 29 reconstruction, which began on May 10, was completed and opened to the public on Friday. Motorists on social media were downright giddy at the prospect of following that smooth line of asphalt ribbon between Prescott and River Falls for the first time in months.

The extensive project in-

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A Wisconsin Department of Transportation worker stands beside the Highway 29 detour sign at highways 10 and 29 in Prescott on Friday, Nov. 12. The highway between Prescott and River Falls opened at 11 a.m. that day, following six months of reconstruction that detoured traffic and caused law enforcement headaches. Photo by John McLoone HIGHWAY

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cluded removing and replacing the existing pavement, replacing culverts and guardrail, rehabilitating the bridge over Greenwood Valley Creek, installing centerline and edge line rumble strips between the south junction of County Road QQ and Cemetery Road and modifying intersections at County Road E, County Road FF and Cemetery Road.

River Falls Mayor Dan Toland expressed his gratitude for people’s patience during the reconstruction.

“We are all happy that Highway 29 is open again,” Toland said. “The city greatly appreciates patience and understanding during these past six months.”

Highway 10

Another DOT project finished up last week: Highway 10 from County Road A southeast of Ellsworth to the east county line.

That project began July 26 and cost approximately $8.6 million. Crews removed 3.25 inches of the existing pavement and replaced it with 3.25 inches of new asphalt, added centerline rumble strips, replaced culverts and upgraded guardrails.

What’s next?

According to WisDOT’s website, crews will begin construction on Cemetery Road from South Main Street to State Highway 65 in 2022. The project consists of:

•Milling and overlaying existing pavement

•Modifying two intersections: Emory Circle (altering it to allow right turns only from Emory Circle to Cemetery Road) and South Wasson Lane (modifying the geometry in the southwest corner of the roundabout to better accommodate trucks).

•Addressing guardrail deficiencies

•Upgrading curb ramps

•Marking pavement

•Signing on a limited basis Traffic will be maintained using flagging operations and lane closures. Pedestrian accommodations will be made during sidewalk work. Temporary driveway closures may be necessary during parts of the project. WisDOT will contact homeowners and businesses in advance before temporarily closing any driveway.