Traffic rerouted in Antigo after partial building collapse

Wausau Pilot & Review

A building in downtown Antigo partially collapsed on Monday afternoon, prompting police to reroute traffic on Hwy. 45.

The closure began just before 1 p.m. after bricks fell from the side of a building on Hwy. 45 at Fifth Avenue. All lanes are blocked, according to the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.

Officials say the building has been in a state of disrepair and was unoccupied at the time of the partial collapse. A nearby office building was evacuated as a precaution and no injuries have been reported at this time.

Police say the building will be completely torn down. Hwy. 45 South is closed from Fourth Avenue to Sixth Avenue for safety reasons. For now, northbound traffic is being rerouted to Hwy. 64 via CTH Y and CTH HH. Southbound traffic will take the reverse route, which is marked for travelers.

There’s no word on when the roadway will reopen.