There’s something special about a detour that adds to your getaway, but sometimes it’s more fun to avoid it! See below for local construction updates, including what to steer clear of and how to go around closures to reach your destination. Thank you for your patience and for visiting us!
Local Construction Updates
US 53 in Chippewa County
- Northbound US 53 traffic, which has been running on the southbound lanes between 40th Avenue (Lake Hallie) and County N (Chippewa Falls), will soon shift back to its regular northbound lanes.
- Starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, the ramp from southbound US 53 to Business 29/County X and the ramp from Business 29/County X to southbound US 53 will close. Both ramps are expected to reopen by noon on July 3.
What to Know for Your Drive:
- Heading south on US 53?
You won’t be able to use the usual ramps at Business 29/County X (exit 96). Instead, take exits 95A or 95B for alternate access to Chippewa Falls. - Coming from the north?
Exit at County Highway S, then head east on Highway 124 (note: expect reduced lanes and some side road closures), or take County Highway S east toward County Highway Q as another option.
WIS 29: 50th Ave Interchange and 50th Ave and County J Intersection
Removing and replacing the bridge, building retaining walls along east- and westbound WIS 29 at the abutments, replacing the roadway approach pavement and the pavement on the interchange ramps and replacing culverts, guardrail and pavement markings. This project will increase the vertical clearance of the bridge over the highway. For the 50th Avenue/County J intersection project: Constructing a single-lane roundabout, completing approach work on all legs leading into the roundabout, increasing the roadway profile an average of three feet to accommodate the profile rise of the new bridge and replacing storm sewer.
Motorists can expect the following impacts on:
- WIS 29:
- The 50th Avenue interchange is closed, and traffic is being detoured via County J and County X.
- The inside shoulders on east- and westbound WIS 29 are closed at 50th Avenue.
- Once work resumes after Memorial Day, motorists will encounter single-lane closures between County X and County J and reduced speed limit of 55 mph during working hours.
- County J:
- The highway is open to traffic at 50th Avenue and will remain open throughout construction, using temporary roadway and flagging operations.
- 50th Avenue:
- The road is closed between Stillson Elementary School and 171st streets to September, and traffic is being detoured using 160th Street, 40th Avenue, County J and County X.
- The road also is closed east of County J.
- Access to residences and businesses is being maintained throughout construction using temporary roads and flagging.
WIS 124 Resurfacing (Duncan Creek to Bridge Street)
- Construction is set to begin Monday, June 2. WIS 124 will remain open, but expect lane and side road closures. Consider using County Highway Q or Highway 178 for a smoother trip.
For a complete list of area projects, check the Wisconsin DOT website. Safe travels and enjoy your time in our community!
Road Construction Projects in Northwest Wisconsin
Transportation
So you’ve made the impeccable decision to plan your trip in Chippewa County. Great choice! We have a perfect blend of nature, activities, restaurants, and anything else to make your experience memorable. To top it all off, Chippewa County is so accessible that you’ll never have to fear the dreaded task of planning your transportation to and from your event space. See all the ways you can get around below!
Arriving in Chippewa County
Whether you are traveling here by air or car, you have easy access to anything we have to offer!
By Air: The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU airport code) offers direct flights arriving from and departing to Chicago O’Hare Airport daily, helping to reduce parking costs, overnight stays and mileage expenses. Ground transportation services are available on-site. Make sure you check out the Hangar 54 Grill for a delicious pre/post-travel meal.
Shuttle from MSP Airport: The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is about a 1.5-hour drive away from Chippewa County and offers hourly shuttles. Services like Green Fleet or Groome Transportation offer sustainable transportation options to and from this airport to get you to your desired destination.
By Car: Chippewa County is located in the west-central part of Wisconsin right off I-94. Your excursion from other large Midwestern cities like Milwaukee and Madison, WI, Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, Duluth, and Rochester, MN, and others will put you in the right mindset for your trip as you enjoy the small-town charm.
Getting Around the Area
Now that you’ve arrived, getting around Chippewa County is even simpler.
Parking: For those of you driving a car, parking is free and available around businesses and meeting venues, especially near downtown areas of Chippewa Falls. The only caution is to pay attention to how long you may park in a given parking area. See the Downtown Chippewa Falls Parking Map.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi: Explore Chippewa Fall’s taxi’s services or use the popular Uber or Lyft services to schedule a ride when you need it. These services can get you where you need to go in a flash!