Ashland County road work changes travel near Highbridge
Ashland County’s County GG bridge reopened July 20, while STH 77 resurfacing continues with single-lane traffic control from Mellen toward Iron County.
Road work in Ashland County has changed the travel picture for drivers using two regional routes: the County GG McCarthy Creek bridge reopened on July 20, while resurfacing continues on State Highway 77 from Mellen toward the Iron County line.
The updates matter to Highbridge because the Ashland County Highway Department, which issued the notices, is based on State Highway 13 in the unincorporated community. High Bridge is an unincorporated place within the Town of Ashland, not an incorporated city or village.
County GG bridge has reopened
The McCarthy Creek bridge project on County GG reached a reopening milestone on July 20, 2026. The reopening removes the prior bridge-closure condition for travelers using that county route.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation bid documents from October 2025 identify the work as a County GG bridge replacement project in Ashland County. That document provides project background; the county highway department’s July notice is the current source for the reopening status.
STH 77 resurfacing remains active
Resurfacing has begun on the portion of STH 77 running from Mellen toward the Iron County line. The county’s July notice says the highway will remain open during construction, but drivers should expect single-lane closures and active traffic control, including flaggers or temporary traffic signals as described in the notice.
The notice does not establish one universal detour or a fixed delay time for every traveler. Traffic-control arrangements may change as crews move through the project, so commuters and freight operators should allow additional time and be prepared for alternating traffic.
Why the Highbridge connection matters
The county highway department maintains 180 lane miles of County Trunk Highway and approximately 250 lane miles of State Trunk Highway. Its Highbridge facility includes the department’s main shop and administrative offices, making the community the operating base for a road system serving travel across Ashland County.
That regional role affects more than people passing through a work zone. Construction conditions can influence employees commuting between communities, freight and service vehicles serving local businesses, and residents making trips toward Mellen, Iron County or other destinations in northern Wisconsin. The bridge reopening removes one documented closure condition, while the STH 77 work creates a separate, ongoing traffic-control issue.
Before leaving, travelers should check the latest Ashland County Highway Department notices and current Wisconsin road-condition information. Conditions, lane restrictions and traffic-control arrangements can change as work progresses.
Sources
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