The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is scheduled to start a reconstruction project at the WIS 35/65 interchange with East Division Street (County M) in River Falls this week.

Improvements include the construction of a jug-handle ramp on the west side of WIS 35/65, connecting to East Division Street (County M).A jug-handle is a type of intersection design that uses at-grade loop roads to create indirect turning movements. Like leftturn- only lanes, indirect turns reduce crashes, improve congestion and add capacity.

The project also includes grading; installing base aggregate, culvert pipe, storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalk and guardrail; and paving with hot-mix asphalt.

A-1 Excavating, Inc. of Bloomer is the prime contractor for the $1.85 million project. _

Proposed traffic impacts

During construction, existing roadways will remain open to traffic. Motorists can expect to encounter intermittent shoulder closures and flagging operations throughout construction. Hanson Drive will be open to one lane of traffic during consecutive working days, including overnight hours, but it must be open to two-way traffic during weekends.

Construction currently is scheduled for completion on Oct. 31, 2020.