Interstate 41 a step closer to reality

GREEN BAY - Interstate 41 is a step closer to reality.

The Wisconsin Dept. Of Transportation has been working with federal highway officials on a change of designation for U.S. 41 between Green Bay and the Illinois/Wisconsin border - wanting it to be named an "interstate" instead of a "United States" highway.

Although there have been several number options discussed - including I-47, I-594 and I-643 - the state's preference is Interstate 41.

• Map: Selecting a route number

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials endorsed that number assignment last week. The Federal Highway Administration must still approve the number assignment, according to Tammy Rabe, project manager with WisDOT.

There is no set timeframe for federal approval.

There are still several steps which need to take place. There may need to be some road improvements. Certain paperwork has to be done between the state and federal government. And, Wisconsin wants Congress to pass grandfathering legislation to allow heavier trucks on I-41 that U.S. 41 currently has, Rabe said.

If all goes well, interstate shields could be installed in 2014, Rabe said.

Government and business officials have said the interstate designation could help increase and attract business along the corridor.

About $12 million will be needed for the new signs along the 175-mile corridor - mostly for signs directing people to the interstate at and near interchanges.

The north end of Interstate 41 would be in Green Bay at the 41/43 interchange, and end at Russell Road in Illinois, where U.S. 41 and I-94 hookup just south of the border.

U.S. 41 runs from Copper Harbor, Michigan, to Miami, Florida. That designation will remain, including along this Wisconsin stretch after it becomes Interstate 41.

The current construction projects on U.S. 41 in the Green Bay and Oshkosh areas are separate from the request to change the designation to interstate status.