Free-flow access to be built between for I-39/90 & I-43, and a Diverging Diamond Interchange at WIS 81

 Despite bridge operations over the winter months, construction work will resume in earnest this week around the I-39/90 and I-43/WIS 81 interchange (Exit 185) in Beloit. The cloverleaf ramps, that transition motorists between highways, were replaced last fall with interchange ramps in a temporary diamond configuration. The temporary ramps allow motorists to navigate the area until the flyover ramps and a new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) are completed in fall 2021. The flyover ramps will provide free-flow, direct access from one Interstate to the other, and the DDI will move traffic between I-39/90 and WIS 81.

Traffic signals are located at the temporary ramps with left and right turns onto the highways. Please be attentive to the signs, pavement markings, reduced speed limits and traffic shifts in this area.

Reconstruction taking place this year and 2021 includes:

• Work this spring on I-39/90 will shift traffic to the existing Interstate’s southbound lanes, between Hart Road and Cranston Road, and through the I-39/90 and I-43 interchange, while crews reconstruct the northbound lanes.
  • All temporary ramps will be maintained and open to traffic as much as possible.
  • Construction crews are currently building piers for the future flyover ramps connecting I-43 and I-39/90.
  • In late spring, I-43 traffic will shift onto the future WIS 81 alignment near the Millington Road/Gateway Boulevard intersection, with access to Beloit maintained.
• Starting this summer through spring 2021, I-39/90 and I-43 interchange traffic will continue to use the temporary diamond interchange configuration and the WIS 81 alignment.
  • Motorists should be alert for traffic shifts on I-39/90 between existing pavement and new concrete pavement from Cranston Road to Hart Road.
  • The temporary ramps will be maintained and open to traffic as much as possible.
  • Crews will complete the I-39/90 expansion, between Hart Road and Cranston Road, including the WIS 81 interchange ramp connections in late 2021.
• In spring 2021 to fall 2021, I-39/90 traffic will begin using portions of newly reconstructed lanes and the flyover ramps.
  • I-43 traffic will also begin using the flyover ramps. Access to Beloit is maintained via WIS 81 alignment near Millington Road/Gateway Blvd. intersection, and through the new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). You can learn more about this DDI configuration at https://projects.511wi.gov/i-39-90/ddi/wis81/.
  • All WIS 81 traffic, within the city of Beloit, will be shifted over to one side of the roadway, between Branigan Road and Freeman Parkway, to accommodate construction of the other side.
  • There will be short-term closures of interchange ramps and WIS 81 to convert all traffic to the new interchange configurations. Dates and timeframes will be provided in advance of the closures.
  • Access change for I-43 traffic to WIS 81/Milwaukee Road anticipated to start in early fall 2021, as shown in the navigation map.

Phase 2 costs approximately $114.2 million and is scheduled to be completed in November 2021.

I-39/90 remains open to two lanes in each direction during peak travel times. Nightly single lane closures will occur on the Interstate weeknights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. within the construction project limits. During the 2020-2021 construction seasons, one lane will be maintained in each direction on I-43, east of Beloit.

All lane restrictions, ramp closures and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists are reminded to plan ahead, pay attention, obey the posted speed limit and eliminate distractions, especially when driving in work zones.

The public is encouraged to stay informed and register for project email updates on the project website, www.i39-90.wi.gov, and follow the project Facebook page, facebook.com/WisconsinI3990Project.