WIS 161 Resurfacing and ADA Work Underway in Iola, With Local Access Maintained
Road work is underway in Iola during the 2026 construction season, with Wisconsin Department of Transportation crews resurfacing WIS 161 and rebuilding pedestrian curb ramps in the village. WisDOT says access to local businesses and residences will be maintained during the project.
The state highway project covers 10.3 miles of WIS 161, from WIS 49 southbound to WIS 110 in Waupaca County. The work includes milling the existing pavement and placing an asphalt overlay to preserve roadway quality.
ADA ramp reconstruction is included
Within the village of Iola, the project also includes reconstructing pedestrian curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The work is intended to address roadway deficiencies while improving access for pedestrians and people with mobility disabilities.
For residents, commuters and local businesses, the stated access condition means businesses and homes are expected to remain reachable as work proceeds. Drivers and pedestrians should nevertheless expect roadway activity and possible short-term travel disruptions around active work areas.
Separate chip-sealing work affects two street segments
The Village of Iola has separately reported chip-sealing work from July 28 through Aug. 7, 2026. That village project is not the same project as the state’s WIS 161 resurfacing and curb-ramp work.
The village notice identifies two locations: Jackson Street between Water Street and State Street, and Iola Street between Main Street and the fire station. The village says loose chips may remain on the road for several weeks before bulk removal.
That warning may mean rougher or less predictable conditions on the named street segments after chip-sealing, even after the stated work window ends. The notice does not say whether temporary closures or delays occurred beyond that period.
Project timing remains limited
WisDOT identifies the work as part of the 2026 construction season, but its project page does not provide the exact current phase of the Iola portion or a completion date. The available information therefore confirms active or scheduled transportation work, not a finished project.
The Village of Iola lists its village-hall address as 180 S. Main Street. Residents and businesses should use the named street locations and WisDOT’s maintained-access condition as the available guidance while the separate projects proceed.
Sources
- WIS 161, WIS 49 Southbound to WIS 110, Waupaca County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Village of Iola road chip-sealing notice, Village of Iola, Wisconsin
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