Road construction season may still be months away, but the City of Sturgeon Bay is already preparing for a busy year of street improvements across the community.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council, meeting Jan. 6 as the Board of Public Works, approved moving ahead with bid preparations for a slate of capital roadway projects planned for 2026. In total, 17 street improvement projects are included, covering nearly three miles of city roads.

Senior Engineering Technician Brian Spetz outlined the proposal, noting the city has budgeted $1,783,000 for the work, while the total estimated project cost stands at approximately $1,810,130.

“We have a five-year plan written into the city ordinance,” Spetz said. “The plan is re-approved every year, and in this current five-year plan, 2026 is year one.”

Spetz said the final scope of the projects will depend largely on how construction bids come in later this year. “Three street project bids are already scheduled to open on February 9,” he said.

He pointed to last year as an example of how favorable bids can stretch city dollars further. Competitive pricing allowed Sturgeon Bay to add extra work, including repaving at the busy intersection of Egg Harbor Road and additional improvements along Memorial Drive.

Spetz says maintaining safe, reliable streets remains a top priority as Sturgeon Bay works to balance long-term infrastructure needs with responsible financial planning.

 “If bids come in higher than expected, adjustments may be made to the project list to stay within budget”, said Spetz. Officials remain hopeful that most, if not all, of the planned work can move forward this construction season.