Public Announcement: Highway 35 Bridge Replacement Project

DOT Project Webpage

Update May 29^th, 2025 from the DOT

Good afternoon,

Reaching out to share an update from our project team regarding the WIS 35 project your offices have previously inquired about.

The project team has finished soliciting input from the construction industry and partner agencies on the feasibility of maintaining traffic during the project. The department has also investigated the estimated costs and project schedule impacts associated with maintaining traffic during construction.

We have applied this feedback and analysis to the range of alternatives and determined the WisDOT preferred alternative will maintain traffic through the work zone during construction (therefore there will be no extended roadway closure or detour occurring on WIS 35).

The project team will be updating local officials and the general public in mid-June with the identified preferred alternative. We will continue to gather feedback on the best way to stage traffic through the work zone. There could still be single lane closures with signals.

Timeline of Events:

• November 15, 2022 – WisDOT holds a public involvement meeting in the Town of Holland, La Crosse County. The meeting was not well advertised, and attendance was minimal.
• November 28, 2022 – The Village Administrator reaches out to WisDOT expressing concern about the lack of public awareness and requests that a meeting be held in Trempealeau, where the greatest impact would be felt. WisDOT agrees to schedule another meeting.
• December 2022 – October 2024 – The Village Administrator periodically checks in with WisDOT, requesting updates and reminding them to hold a public session in Trempealeau. The Trempealeau Chamber of Commerce and concerned residents also remain engaged with WisDOT throughout this period.
• October 2024 – WisDOT contacts the Village to reserve the community room and schedules a public involvement session for November 13, 2024. The Village and Chamber promote the meeting through social media and the local newspaper.
• November 13, 2024 – The public meeting in Trempealeau draws over 100 attendees, including State Representative Steve Doyle and media coverage. That same night, the Village launches a write-in campaign via its website and social media, encouraging residents to share their concerns with WisDOT and state representatives.
• November 2024 – February 2025 – The write-in campaign continues, reinforcing the community’s desire to keep WIS 35 open during construction.
• February 2025 – The Village Board and the Trempealeau County Board pass resolutions urging WisDOT to adopt a plan that maintains traffic flow.
• May 29, 2025 – The Village receives word from Senator Howard Marklein and Representative Steve Doyle that WisDOT has updated them: the plan will indeed maintain traffic during construction.

This outcome is a powerful reminder that when our community raises its voice, it makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who reached out, showed up, and stood together in support of our local economy and accessibility.