MONROE — Folks waiting for the conclusion of the Wisconsin 11 highway project are going to have to wait a little longer than planned. Some work will be postponed until 2020. 

“We’re definitely not going to get it all done this year,” said Ken Plowman, Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental senior engineering technician.

Weather is to blame, and will determine when 2020 work starts. But things aren’t shuttered for 2019 just yet. 

“Work is continuing to get as many roads and ramps open as possible,” Plowman said. He added that the plan was to give a final update by Dec. 15 on what the traffic pattern and detours would look like during the winter shutdown.

Even though the area saw warmer temperatures in later November after an unseasonable below-freezing first half, effects of the cold lingered in the form of frozen ground.  

When hot paving materials are laid atop that surface, it melts, which Plowman said causes problems: either the paving will fail immediately, or, if it doesn’t, only last half as long.

“I know it’s a huge inconvenience, but there is a reason behind it,” he said.

The overhaul of nearly 6 miles on Wis. 11 began in late March for the reconstruction of the highway and its bypasses. The project is addressing the deteriorating concrete and poor ride quality between Wis. 81 and Hiltbrand Lane and includes work on ramps at Wis. 11, 69 and 59. Work will also improve the intersections with County KK, Stauffacher Road, Richland Road and Hiltbrand.