(WFRV) – Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are offering motorists travel tips and also reminding them to practice proper safety on the roads.
Wisconsinites are expected to travel in record numbers over the holiday weekend, with peak hours being Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the release.
Wisconsin Department of Education plans to provide meals and snacks to children in low-income communities this summer
Officials say most construction projects will be paused over the holiday weekend, but drivers are encouraged to plan ahead on 511 Wisconsin and check their routes before setting off.
Millions of drivers will be hitting Wisconsin roads this summer to experience all the state has to offer. As you head out on your summer adventures, make sure you keep track of your driving conditions with 511 Wisconsin and put your own safety and the safety of others first. We all need to work together to keep the roads safe – fasten your seat belt, obey the speed limit and stay distracted.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson
Again, most construction projects across the state are paused, but here are some significant projects that could affect your weekend travel:
North Central Wisconsin: Langlade County: WIS 55 south of Hollister is limited to one lane in each direction with a temporary signal in place at Nine Mile Creek. Marathon County: WIS 13 is closed from Spencer to WIS 153. Traffic will be detoured to WIS 153 and WIS 97. Marathon County: Watch for lane closures on WIS 13 in Colby between Marathon County N and the southern Colby border, in Spencer from WIS 98 to LaSalle Street, and in Unity from 2nd Street to the northern Unity border. Oneida County: US 8 is closed from WIS 17 north to Oneida County P near Rhinelander. Traffic will be detoured to Oneida County P and WIS 17. Outagamie and Waupaca Counties: WIS 22 and WIS 76 near Bear Creek are closed between US 45 and WIS 54. Traffic on WIS 76 is detoured to WIS 54 and US 45. Traffic on WIS 22 is detoured to Waupaca County T, Waupaca County O, and US 45. Shawano County: WIS 117 is closed between South Street near Bonduel and Shawano County BE. Traffic is detoured to WIS 29, WIS 55, and WIS 52. Wood County: WIS 80 is closed from the Juneau County line to Necedah Road near Babcock. Traffic is detoured to WIS 173, WIS 73, WIS 13, and WIS 21. Wood County: WIS 173 remains open, but no through intersections. Through traffic will be detoured to WIS 173, WIS 21, and WIS 13. Wood County: WIS 54/WIS 73 is closed from Wisconsin River Drive to Seneca Road near Port Edwards. Local access is maintained for residents and businesses. Through traffic will be detoured to WIS 73 and WIS 13. Outagamie and Winnebago Counties in northeastern Wisconsin: Northbound I-41 is limited to two lanes between Main Street and US 10/WIS 441 in the Fox Valley area. Significant delays are expected and drivers should consider alternate routes. Watch for lane changes and reduced speed limits. Outagamie County: WIS 15 is closed between US 45 in the City of New London and County T in the Village of Hortonville. Traffic will be detoured via US 45, County TT and County T. Outagamie County: WIS 22 is closed at the US 45/WIS 76/WIS 22 intersection in the Town of Bear Creek. Traffic will be detoured via Outagamie County T and Outagamie County O. Outagamie County: WIS 54 is closed at the WIS 55/County C/Ivory Street intersection in downtown Seymour. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 47, Outagamie County G and Mainline Drive. Outagamie County: WIS 76 is closed between US 45 in the Town of Bear Creek and WIS 54 in Shiocton. Follow the detour via WIS 54 and US 45. Outagamie County: WIS 76 is closed at the intersection of WIS 76 and School Road in Greenville. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 96, Outagamie County CB, and WIS 15. Outagamie County: WIS 96 is closed between WIS 55 in Kaukauna and Outagamie County U in Wrightstown. Motorists should follow the signed detour via WIS 55, I-41, and County U. Barron and Washburn Counties in Northwest Wisconsin: Traffic in both directions on US 53 will be in the southbound lanes from 26th Avenue north of Rice Lake to Pine Grover Road south of Sarona. Watch for reduced speed limits. Bayfield County: WIS 13 in the City of Washburn is closed from Thompson Road/Charles Street to 2nd Avenue West. Vehicles over 20 tons will be detoured via US 2, County A, and WIS 13. Dunn County: WIS 64 is closed to through traffic from County O north of Boyceville to the north junction of County W east. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 19, WIS 170, WIS 40, and US 53. WIS 25, which runs north and south through the project area, will remain open to traffic. Pierce County: WIS 35 will be limited to one lane between Chestnut and Green Streets in Maiden Rock, controlled by a temporary signal. Pierce County: WIS 35 will be limited to one lane, controlled by a temporary signal, at the Big River Bridge southeast of Prescott. Pierce County: US 10 is closed to through traffic from WIS 29/35 in Prescott to the south junction of US 63 west of Ellsworth. Traffic will be detoured to WIS 29/35 and WIS 65. Washburn County: Both directions of US 53 are in the southbound lanes between Wildcat Road southeast of Spooner and County A. Watch for reduced speed limits. Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties in southeastern Wisconsin: Intermittent ramp and local road closures are expected on certain stretches along I-43 between Glendale and Grafton. Milwaukee County: Motorists should expect various ramp closures and one-lane closures along I-43 between Capitol Drive and Marquette Interchange. Milwaukee County: At least two lanes are open in each direction on I-894 between Mitchell Interchange and 84th Street. Walworth County: WIS 36 is closed to through traffic between Burlington and Lake Geneva. Motorists should follow signed detours via WIS 11, WIS 83, WIS 50, US 12, and WIS 120. Columbia County, southwest Wisconsin: All lanes of I-39/90/94 are open at the WIS 60 interchange near Lodi. Monroe County: Two lanes open in both directions on I-90/94 near Tomah. Watch for reduced speed limits. Sauk County: Two lanes open in each direction on I-90/94 between Wisconsin Dells and Portage. Watch for reduced speed limits and lane changes.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials say all rest stops will be open over the weekend, with each facility offering travelers restrooms and amenities and a place to rest during their journey.
Officials said other tips to keep in mind while driving include fastening your seat belt and putting away your cell phone, changing lanes or slowing down if you approach emergency responders stopped on the highway with their lights flashing, and pulling off the highway if a crash occurs.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters to wear life jackets safely ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
For more travel tips or to view real-time information on travel conditions, live traffic cameras and construction zones and accidents, download the 511 Wisconsin app, visit 511 Wisconsin online, follow 511 Wisconsin on X or dial 5-1-1.
