Sept. 6, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. — The City of Viroqua is set to begin Phase 1 of a multi-stage reconstruction project on Center Avenue starting Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, marking the beginning of a major overhaul of downtown infrastructure expected to continue into summer 2026.
Phase 1 will focus on Center Avenue between Decker and Parkinson streets, where crews from Badger Environmental will undertake full reconstruction of water, sewer, storm sewer, roadways, and sidewalks. The work is expected to last approximately one month, during which vehicle traffic will be prohibited on the affected stretch. Pedestrian access will remain open but may involve uneven terrain and will not meet ADA standards until sidewalks are restored later this fall.
Alternate routes including Main Street, East Broadway, Rusk Avenue, and Church Street are recommended. Parking restrictions will be in place on Church Street between Main and Rusk to accommodate increased traffic flow.
A planned water shutoff is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10, affecting properties near Parkinson and Center for approximately four hours. City staff will notify impacted residents directly or via posted notices.
If weather and scheduling allow, Phase 1 may extend to Jefferson Street between Main and Center, and potentially to Rusk Avenue before the end of the 2025 construction season. The broader project scope includes upgrades to Court and Terhune streets, ADA-compliant sidewalks, and a new multi-use path along Center Avenue.
For detailed project updates, visit the Center Avenue Construction Project page.
In related action, the Viroqua City Council voted last week to modify parking regulations near Nelson Agri-Center, approving a plan to convert several angled spaces to parallel parking to improve traffic safety and visibility. The change follows months of public input and traffic studies and will be implemented later this fall.
For previous coverage and community reactions to the Center Avenue project, visit VernonReporter.com.
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