U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) expressed pride on Friday that after several years of legislative efforts and other work, U.S. Highway 41, running through the eastern part of Wisconsin, will become an official federal Interstate, to be known as Interstate 41.
“Today’s announcement is a win for Wisconsin’s infrastructure and its economy,” Ribble said. “I am proud to have worked with my Wisconsin colleagues in the House and Senate to pass needed legislation last year to ensure that U.S. 41 continues to be a vital and well-used road for both passengers and freight, now that it is I-41.”
The road’s change from state highway to federal Interstate is expected to make a positive impact on the eastern part of the state, as well as regionally and nationally. The improvements that will be made to the highway, in bringing it up to federal standards for mobility and safety, will ease traffic congestion and are expected to encourage growth in manufacturing-rich eastern Wisconsin. It also will connect the strong agricultural resources in the communities along the route with other parts of the nation through the new Interstate corridor.
Improvement projects and installation of new signage will begin soon, and the first phases of the transition should be completed by November 2015.