Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman and other state and local leaders to celebrate the completion of an interchange that is part of the South Bridge Connector project.
The completion of the new interchange at I-41 and Southbridge Road in Brown County marks a milestone in the region’s transportation network. Started in 2019, the project is a testament to years of state, county, local and federal partners, officials said. The bridge is expected to open soon.
“Since Day One, my administration and I have been focused on getting the job done for the people of Wisconsin by investing in the infrastructure our communities and businesses need to succeed, and this particular project has been a long time coming,” Evers said. “Completing the Southbridge Road interchange is the result of bringing state, county, and local partners together around a shared goal and working to turn plans into progress. This connection will help keep goods moving, strengthen our supply chains, support local businesses, and grow our economy to keep Wisconsin moving forward for generations to come.”
WisDOT officials said local leaders had advocated for a new highway connection in Brown County and the construction of a bridge to cross the Fox River in De Pere. In 2019, Evers committed to funding and building the Southbridge interchange as part of the I-41 expansion project. Brown County received $50 million in bonding to build the South Bridge Connector as part of the state’s 2023-2025 budget. The connector will link De Pere, Ledgeview and Green Bay.
“Completing the Southbridge Road interchange represents far more than a transportation improvement. It demonstrates what’s possible when partners share a vision, work through challenges together, and remain committed to delivering results for travelers,” Boardman said. “This section of I-41 is so important to everyone who lives, works, or travels along this highway. The Southbridge Road interchange is an essential piece of the puzzle that together improves safety and traffic flow from the Fox Cities all the way to Green Bay.”
The I-41 expansion project began in April 2024 and focused on reconstructing and expanding 23 miles of interstate from four to six lanes. The new interchange connects I-41 with the South Bridge Connector project and is expected to bolster regional connectivity and improve access for residents, commuters and businesses.
“Projects of this scale are only possible through strong partnerships, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress,” Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach said. “Brown County is deeply grateful to our federal and state partners for their support in incorporating the South Bridge Connector Project into the interstate system and providing the funding for this critical interchange. Their commitment and investment have been instrumental in advancing a project over a half-century in the making.”