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Project Resources

Environmental Study

WisDOT completed an environmental assessment in June 2021 for the I-41 Project that found – in concurrence with public comments received – that reconstructing the corridor would not result in significant impacts on the quality of the environment.

WisDOT partners with state and federal agencies and non-government organizations to accomplish the transportation mission and meet environmental responsibilities.

Transportation projects are subject to a variety of regulations including but not limited to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act.

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The I-41 Project Environmental Assessment documented the following elements related to the project:

  • The purpose and need for the proposed roadway improvements
  • The alternatives WisDOT considered
  • The environmental impacts of the alternatives retained for detailed study
  • Public involvement and agency coordination efforts

WisDOT approved the environmental assessment, giving agencies and the public the opportunity to review the document and provide comments, including at the public hearings held in July 2021.

The Federal Highway Administration then issued a Finding of No Significant Impact or FONSI documenting the decision, concluding the environmental study process, and allowing the project to proceed to the design phase.

Environmental Study Documents

Project Purpose and Need

The I-41 Project corridor, which has four travel lanes – two in each direction – is congested and sees a higher rate of crashes than similarly configured freeways in Wisconsin. By federal standards, the project area has multiple roadway design deficiencies, and much of its pavement and several bridges are nearing the end of their useful lives and must be replaced.

Safety

Parts of the I-41 Project segment have higher crash rates than the statewide average for similar roadways. Frequent crashes create congestion that can produce secondary crashes and unexpected delays, increasing travel times while decreasing travel time reliability on I-41 and local roads.

A photo viewing traffic going Northbound on I-41 at Wrightstown Rd.

Roadway Deficiencies

Much of the original pavement in the corridor was built in the 1960s and has reached the end of its useful life, meaning further rehabilitations are no longer cost-effective. The project corridor also has narrow road shoulders, outdated ramp designs, and interchanges spaced too closely to one another – deficiencies that can contribute to safety and operational problems.

An example of problematic roadway deficiencies.

Traffic Congestion

The I-41 Project segment carries up to 71,400 vehicles each day and experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak weekday morning and afternoon travel times. By 2045, average annual daily traffic on I-41 is projected to increase between 15% and 20%, depending on location.

Several cars creating congested traffic on a freeway.

Outdated Wrightstown Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility

As part of the project, WisDOT will replace the Wrightstown Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility, located about ¾ miles south of County U in Outagamie County. The facility requires updated technology and equipment to weigh and inspect commercial truck traffic. The Wisconsin State Patrol will also use the new facility for its Northeast Region Headquarters, currently located in Fond du Lac.

The sign for the weigh station near County U in Outagamie County.
Safety
Roadway Deficiencies
Traffic Congestion
Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility

Safety

Parts of the I-41 Project segment have higher crash rates than the statewide average for similar roadways. Frequent crashes create congestion that can produce secondary crashes and unexpected delays that increase travel times while decreasing travel time reliability on I-41 and local roads.

A photo viewing traffic going Northbound on I-41 at Wrightstown Rd.

Roadway Deficiencies

Much of the original pavement in the corridor was built in the 1960s and has reached the end of its useful life, meaning further rehabilitations are no longer cost-effective. The project corridor also has narrow road shoulders, outdated ramp designs, and interchanges spaced too closely to one another – deficiencies that can contribute to safety and operational problems.

An example of problematic roadway deficiencies.

Traffic Congestion

The I-41 Project segment carries up to 71,400 vehicles each day and experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak weekday morning and afternoon travel times. By 2045, average annual daily traffic on I-41 is projected to increase between 15% and 20%, depending on location.

Several cars creating congested traffic on a freeway.

Outdated Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility in Wrightstown

As part of the project, WisDOT will replace the Wrightstown Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility, located about ¾ miles south of County U in Outagamie County. The facility requires updated technology and equipment to weigh and inspect commercial truck traffic. The Wisconsin State Patrol will also use the new facility for its Northeast Region Headquarters, currently located in Fond du Lac.

The sign for the weigh station near County U in Outagamie County.
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Interstate 41: Connecting Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Department of Transportation
All rights reserved

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