You will not have to worry about as many traffic cones this weekend as you travel throughout the county. Construction crews cleared much of State Highway 42/57 of the cones that have been a mainstay over the last few weeks. That allowed motorists to try a newly paved portion just south of the Bayview Bridge for the first time since construction started. The contains will return where they were after the holiday weekend and will be shuffled weekly at noon on Fridays so the roads can handle the anticipated influx of travelers.

City Engineer Chad Shefchik provided an update Friday morning:
May 23 to May 27:  The contractor continued mainline asphalt pavement north of S Columbia Avenue.  The lower lift of asphalt was completed in all of the lanes and intersections, and pavement markings were placed in preparation to open the lanes for the Memorial Day weekend.  Concrete repair continued south of Emerald Drive.  Also, spot culvert pipe improvements were completed south of Emerald Drive.
 
May 30 to June 3:  The contractor will continue concrete repairs in the southern third of the project in both the northbound and southbound lanes.  Asphalt pavement will continue at night north of S Columbia Avenue.  Spot culvert improvements will also continue south of Emerald Drive.
 
Traffic impacts:  WIS 42 will remain open during construction with the following traffic impacts:

• Single lane closures will be in place from the WIS 57 south junction to Emerald Drive in both the northbound and southbound lanes.  All closures will be removed, and the roadway will be open to all lanes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
• Starting June 1, single-lane closures will be in place from 6 a.m. on Mondays through noon on Fridays at the locations stated above.
• Local roadways will be closed and/or detoured for short durations during various times throughout construction.
 
Detour:  A local detour is posted for the County U closure as well as for access to S Ashland Avenue.

Those traveling on Michigan Street this weekend may want to find an alternate route, however. Engineering technician Brian Spetz said that the N 15th Dr will be closed at the intersection with Michigan St for the installation of a new concrete spillway effective Friday morning.  Access to N 15th Drive will be from the North via Louisiana Pl.  This intersection will be opened back up for traffic on Tuesday, May 31.
As always, it is encouraged that motorists travel safely and carefully through construction zones if they can not avoid the area altogether.