The Marathon County Highway Department operates the highway system under its jurisdiction to provide a safe and convenient means for the vehicular transportation of people and goods.

The department oversees the maintenance of over 600 miles of the county trunk highway system and annually contracts with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to maintain an additional 836.28 lane miles of state and federal highway system roads.

The Highway Department also provides technical assistance, financial aid, and various services to other local units of government, including the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). These services are critical to maintaining a safe, convenient, and efficient transportation system serving communities, residents, and businesses throughout Marathon County.

The policymaking body for the Highway Department is the Infrastructure Committee. The committee consists of seven county board members elected for two-year terms by the County Board of Supervisors. The powers and duties of the Highway Committee are defined in s. 83.015, Wis. Stats.

The administration and implementation of the departmental policies is the responsibility of the Highway Commissioner with assistance from the administrative staff. The Highway Commissioner reports to the Highway Committee and is also charged with certain duties as directed by s. 83.01, Wis. Stats.

Policies & Procedures Manual 

Our Vision

“We envision a highway department where members are respectful of one another and the public we serve. We are committed to the delivery of a safe, high-quality product on our state and county highway system. We are widely trusted and recognized for our diversity, innovation, collaboration, and responsible use and protection of our resources and assets.”

Seasonal Weight Limits 

Highway officials do not have a date for removing seasonal weight limits. Officials will be reviewing conditions again on Thursday April 23rd to see if a date can be set. Additional information on allowable axle weights and restricted roads can be found on the Driving Information Page. 

Information regarding weight limits on state highways can be found on the Wisconsin DOT website at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/ssnl-wt-rsrctns/postedroads.aspx.

City, Village and Town Road postings are regulated by individual municipalities. They may vary from county road postings. Drivers should contact their local municipalities for information on local road postings.

Brine Information 

Green Means Slow!

Wisconsin legislature recently passed a law allowing the use of green warning lights on municipal vehicles.

These new lighting options have proven to increase driver awareness significantly, creating a safer winter driving experience for the public and our operators.

The Highway Department will be upgrading some existing equipment with green lights and will be adding the green lights to all new vehicles.

Thank you for slowing down when driving through work zones and around the plow trucks this winter.

Adopt-A-Highway