Sept. 25, 2026
Byline Local government and public infrastructure
VIROQUA Wis. – Municipal officials in Viroqua have issued a series of public updates alerting local residents to extensive street closures, utility milestones, and park trail restrictions scheduled for the final week of September 2026.
The notices cover several concurrent public works initiatives across the city, including major road surfacing work on Center Avenue, pavement seal coating along Rock Avenue, and safety closures at Eckhart Park in preparation for a massive community playground build.
Center Avenue
City officials announced a major milestone for the ongoing Center Avenue reconstruction project, confirming that all underground water main and sewer main installations have been completed. Crews are now transitioning from heavy utility digging to surface preparation.
Public Works Director Sarah Grainger reported that contractors are advancing to the next phase of road construction along the downtown corridor.
“All water main and sewer main work is complete for the Center Avenue project,” said Grainger. “This is a huge milestone.”
Contractors from Frontier are wrapping up utility adjustments on Center Avenue between Terhune and South streets. At the same time, crews from Badger Environmental are sub cutting the roadway and building the stone road base along the east side of Center Avenue from Court to Terhune streets, as well as the full street width between Terhune and South streets.
Grainger noted that concrete work for curbs, sidewalks, and the multi use path is tentatively slated for mid October, though crews could begin earlier if schedule openings arise before asphalt paving starts. The city is also asking property owners along the corridor to contact Public Works immediately if they wish to request a new boulevard tree or plant a boulevard garden instead of grass seed.
Rock Avenue
In addition to downtown street reconstruction, municipal crews are preparing for temporary traffic disruptions on Rock Avenue. Weather permitting, crews will seal coat Rock Avenue between Decker and South streets on Monday September 28. Drivers are advised to expect short delays and seek alternate routes throughout the day.
ECKHART PARK
Meanwhile, park visitors will see significant activity at Eckhart Park as site preparations accelerate for the new Eckhart Enchantment playground. Heavy equipment operators have begun digging foundational post holes on the east side of the park, and city staff have covered the excavated areas with tarps and caution tape for public safety.
City officials issued a safety warning to park visitors as work crews prepare the grounds for construction.
“The main trail through the park is closed until the construction project is complete,” said Grainger. “Eckhart Park remains open but access is limited.”
Residents are asked to remain vigilant around heavy machinery and strictly avoid entering the marked construction zone. The main community build for the playground is scheduled to take place from September 29 through October 4, bringing together dozens of local volunteers to assemble the structure.
City leaders encourage residents with questions about street detours or park safety to contact Viroqua City Hall at 608-637-7186 or email the Public Works Department.
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