DARLINGTON — Darlington Police and the local project manager of an upcoming construction project recently gave guidance on upcoming detour routes.

The project is a part of the resurfacing and reconstruction project of Wis. 23 from County Shop Road to Minerva Street in the City of Darlington. The “north” segment of the project was from River Street to Minerva Street north of the river, and was completed before the end of 2021. The upcoming project for the “south” segment is expected to begin in April and be completed by October, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Traffic on Galena Street between County Shop Road and the Pecatonica River will be re-routed east along County Shop Road, then north onto Gun Club Road and then to the west on Spring Street and East River Street until reconnecting with Galena Street. The closed portion of Galena Street will only be open to local traffic and emergency vehicles. The street will be one-lane only and a gravel surface.

Motorists are advised to slow down, be prepared to stop, and watch for flagging operations in the construction zone.

“Please be aware we anticipate speeding problems on the detour route and will be closely monitoring it throughout the construction project,” Darlington Police Department wrote in a Facebook post March 2. “You can avoid ticketing by driving courteously and obeying the speed limits. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.”

Improvements in the project include:

●  Replace deteriorated roadway with new asphalt pavement

●  Improve geometry at several intersections for turning movements and access

●  Replace bridge deck over the Pecatonica River

●  Utility replacements: water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street lighting

●  Upgrades to sidewalk, guardrail, driveways

●  Retaining wall additions south of the river