County officials raise concerns about state highway repairs and detour signing during projects

Ashland County highway officials reported progress on several state highway projects and urged drivers to direct complaints to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for faster response. Highway Commissioner Matt told the committee that paving south of Glidden on State Highway 13 had improved ride quality in patched areas, but several committee members and residents said larger sections farther south still have “truck holes” and will need far more material than currently scheduled. One resident told the committee the stretch south of Glidden contains holes “you could put your foot in” and recommended citizens call DOT directly because “when the citizens complain direct to them, it seems to get their attention a lot more.” Committee members also raised detour-signing problems on State Highway 169 where bridge work over Bad River required traffic shifts. The commissioner said several large RVs and campers were following inadequate signage and turning onto narrow local streets, creating safety and traffic issues; staff had pushed DOT to improve signs before a busy holiday weekend. The committee also discussed culvert replacements ahead of county paving projects. The county has inspected culverts and replaced a few already to prepare for paving on County GG and other projects. Matt described ongoing operations: crack sealing, mastic work on Highway 13 (Glidden–Butternut area) and upcoming milling and paving on County GG. The committee asked whether underground utilities and sidewalks are being replaced as part of Highway 13 work; staff responded that underground work and sidewalks are being addressed on the rebuilt side, and the project will switch traffic to newly poured concrete in phases. No formal actions were taken; committee members urged continued communication with DOT and recommended residents report hazardous road conditions directly to DOT to expedite repairs.