The “road closed” signs have gone up on Highway 59 and Janesville Street. If you’re looking to get to Kwik Trip on that corner, or one of the several other businesses located in that immediate area, that won’t be a problem. No through traffic is allowed, meaning that anyone driving past that area and the Rock/Walworth County line must be traveling to a home or business in that area or risk being ticketed.
The official detour takes Walworth Avenue/County N all the way to Highway 26. Many residents already take Rock/Walworth County Line Road to Highway 59 on their way to Milton or Janesville. That option is still available. Alternatively, to get to Janesville one may take Highway 89 to Richmond and travel west on County A to Janesville.
As was announced previously on The Banner, this closure is only the first of three phases of this summer’s road construction, as shown below.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced a roadway improvement project affecting portions of State Highway 59 and State Highway 89 in and near Whitewater.
Construction is expected to begin April 1, 2026, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of June, early July, 2026, weather permitting. The project will occur in three stages.
Stage 1:
Highway 59 from the Rock/Walworth County line to Janesville Street
- Curb and gutter replacement
- Sidewalk and pedestrian ramp upgrades
- Milling existing pavement and installing new asphalt
Traffic will be detoured using County Highway N and Highway 26.
Stage 2:
Highway 59 from Janesville Street to US 12 and Highway 89 from US 12 to Wills Ray Road - Milling existing pavement
- Installing new asphalt
Traffic will remain open with flagging operations.
Stage 3:
Highway 59 from the Rock/Walworth County line to Janesville Street - High-friction surface treatment
Traffic will again be detoured using County Highway N and Highway 26.
Electronic message boards will be placed one week prior to closures to alert motorists. Please slow down and use extra caution when traveling through construction zones.
Thank you for your patience during these roadway improvements.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Brad Marquardt, city director of public works.
