Mason St. closure fast approaching

GREEN BAY - In two days, the next phase of the construction on US Highway 41 will begin. It will require thousands of Green Bay area drivers to find a different way to cross 41 or get on or off 41 for six months.

The West Mason Street overpass and the on and off ramps will be closed and traffic will be detoured to Lombardi Avenue, Military Avenue and Shawano Avenue.

Signs along the Lombardi Avenue exit for Highway 41 already point the way around the future construction area towards Mason Street businesses.

"A little planning ahead of time, a little patience, and people should be able to get around the construction,” said Kris Schuller with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The Department of Transportation says construction will start Wednesday here at the Mason Street and Highway 41 interchange. The overpass, which 37,000 vehicles cross everyday, will be demolished.

"That traffic has to be diverted elsewhere. It will go down Military. It will go down Packerland. It will go down Shawano," said Schuller.

And businesses along one of those other routes are seizing this opportunity to advertise with billboards around town.

"During the closure of Highway 41 and Mason Street overpass, we want to make sure that people early on, while they're changing their driving habits, are aware of Military Avenue," said Joe Mongin, vice president of the Military Avenue Business Association.

The Military Avenue Business Association says when there was construction on Military Avenue two years ago they didn't lose that much business. And they're hoping their business can grow now that there are other construction projects in the area.

"We're open for business. It's a brand new street here and it's a great place to come and shop," said Mongin.

The Department of Transportation says the best way to assure a delightful detour, as the advertising suggests, is planning out your new way to get around town before the Mason Street overpass is torn down.

The DOT says there are plenty of alternative routes for you to plan your commute around.