What’s Happening on Winnebago County Roads in 2026?
posted by Road Department
Download the 2026 Construction & Maintenance Map (PDF)
Winnebago County is preparing for a full season of road improvements in 2026, with projects focused on strengthening pavement, improving safety, and extending the lifespan of our roadway network. This year's program includes surfacing work, asphalt preservation treatments, microsurfacing, fog sealing, and several culvert and small bridge replacements across the county.
The County continues to make pavement preservation a priority. By applying timely, lower-cost treatments such as fog seals, microsurfacing, and rejuvenators, we can protect past investments, slow deterioration, and reduce long-term maintenance costs for taxpayers. These treatments help keep good roads in good condition—one of the most cost-effective strategies in roadway management.
Balancing Schedule, Inconvenience, and Cost Savings
Road construction often requires balancing cost, safety, and public convenience. In many cases, the County can save substantial taxpayer dollars by giving contractors broader scheduling windows, even when that means some work may overlap with harvest or other high-traffic periods.
A clear example is the R16 fog seal project, planned for early to mid-summer. During this work, the road will need to be fully closed for several hours. Allowing this temporary full closure—rather than requiring one-lane traffic with a pilot car—will save approximately $13,200 while still delivering high-quality results.
Pavement Preservation & Road Surfacing Projects:
- R20, 30th Ave., 40th Ave., 500th St., and Grace St. – Reclamite rejuvenating fog seal – $171,000
- A38 – Microsurfacing – $165,000
- Eagle Lane – CRS-2P fog seal – $8,000
- R50 and A30 – RPE fog seal – $90,000
- R16 – Fog seal (early–mid summer) – $68,000
- 235th Ave. – FDR & 3” HMA overlay – $275,000
Culvert & Small Structure Replacements:
- 400th St. – 8'x8'x120' concrete box culvert – $150,000
- 30th Ave. – 8'x8'x120' concrete box culvert – $150,000
- 400th St. – 24'x35' quad-tee bridge – $150,000
- 140th Ave. – Replace wood box with aluminum arch pipe – $90,000
- 450th St. – Install 66"x72' reinforced concrete pipe – $30,000
Additional Drainage Project:
- 100th Ave. – Twin 5'x5'x45' water-control structures
Construction schedules will vary depending on contractor timelines and weather. Most work will be completed under traffic using pilot cars and temporary lane closures, though occasional full closures—such as on R16—will be needed to keep costs down.
Residents and visitors should expect some delays and consider extra travel time during construction. The County appreciates the public’s patience, especially during busy farming periods, as we continue investing in safer, smoother, and longer-lasting roads.
Contact Information:
Scott Meinders
Winnebago County Engineer
641-585-2905
