PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — Trail enthusiasts along the popular Ozaukee Interurban trail will face temporary closures this fall and winter as construction begins on water and sewer line extensions for the upcoming Port Washington data center campus.
The temporary closures will affect the section between Port Washington and Belgium, north of I-43, according to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department. The exact timing and locations have not yet been determined, with utility work scheduled to start later this month.
Watch: Ozaukee trail users brace for temporary closures during data center construction
For longtime users like Linda Nisleit and Josh Leute, both Port Washington residents, the trail represents more than just recreation — it's a vital community connection.
"We walk on the trail all the time. We do a lot of talking and laughing," Nisleit said.
"Our family has enjoyed biking and hiking on the trail for 20 years," Leute said. "The path's brought a lot of people in and through town."
The upcoming construction adds to existing concerns among residents living near the data center development.
"Closing down a big section of it for a while... It's just the idea of having all these power lines everywhere," Nisleit said.
As a result of the utility work, the Parks Department has, as of this week, decided to delay scheduled trail repaving until next year.
"It's a beautiful stretch of trail, and I hope it continues," Leute said.
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