Construction on Highway 59 is scheduled to begin as soon as April 1. Crews will repair cracks and improve safety along the route from Highway 59 to Highway 12. Wisconsin Department of Transportation communications manager Trevor Fannon said the construction should conclude in mid-July, weather permitting.

The project will be completed in three stages. During the first stage, the highway will close for asphalt resurfacing. The road will remain open only to Whitewater residents, and a detour will be established for through traffic.

“During stages 1 and 3, a clearly marked detour will guide through traffic along Wis. 26, County N and Wis. 89/US 12,” Fannon said.

In the second stage, crews will repave the intersection of South Willis Ray Road on Wis. 89. The road will remain open under flagging operations, with only one brief overnight closure scheduled.

The final stage will require another closure of Highway 59 to complete finishing work before reopening fully to the public.

“Other work will include regrading the shoulders, pavement markings, signage, improving sidewalk pedestrian ramps to meet ADA requirements, culvert work and new traffic signals at the intersection of state highways 12, 89 and 59,” Department of Public Works director Brad Marquardt said.

While city officials have outlined a clear construction plan, some residents have expressed concerns about how the road closures will affect daily travel.

Local businesses are also preparing for the detours, though some expect minimal impact.

“We don’t see it affecting the store too much while construction is taking place,” said Ben Leibl, public relations representative for Kwik Trip. “The store faced a similar situation last summer, and they adapted and made things work. It will be more of the same this time around.”

Officials say the project may temporarily disrupt traffic, but the improvements are expected to make the roadway safer for drivers once completed.