DOT Says Highway 2 Expansion Unlikely, For Now

Northwestern Wisconsin leaders have been pushing for a four-lane expansion of U.S. Highway 2 for years as part of Superior Days in Madison. They’ll have to wait a while longer.

Northern officials point to the four-lane expansion of U.S. Highway 53 as one of the successes of Superior Days. Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Scottie Sandstrom said Highway 2 is the new 53.

“Expand Highway 2 from Superior to Hurley and also from Hurley down to the intersection of 8 and 51 to complete the loop,” Sandstrom said.

Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb said they’re expanding in areas where congestion and safety are bigger issues.

“Absent an enormous amount of money being dropped on us, I just don’t see it happening,” he said. “I’m just being honest with you.”

Gottlieb said the DOT will continue to look at passing lanes and other ways to meet the needs of drivers on Highway 2.