Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Caused Danger In I-94 Work Zone: Report

RACINE COUNTY, WI -- Construction along the I-94 north-south corridor in Racine and Milwaukee counties may cause confusion and consternation for some. Authorities in Racine County say a drunk driver took that to new heights early Monday morning after driving through a construction area as workers were on the job.

At just before 2 a.m. Monday, authorities in Racine County received a report of a driver heading down I-94 between Highway 20 and Highway 11 by way of the freeway's closed construction area while driving on a flat tire.

Officials said a construction worker called the the sheriff's office, saying that the vehicle had turned around on the Interstate and was now driving northbound in the southbound lanes.

Deputies arrived on the scene on the interstate in time to see the silver sedan driving towards their squad cars at about 20 miles per hour. The vehicle was missing a tire and riding on the rim, which was severely damaged.

Officials said the driver of the wayward vehicle was Courtney Bronaugh, 29, from Mount
Pleasant. Courtney told deputies that she was driving back home from Milwaukee and was forced to exit the interstate at Highway 20 due to the closure. Courtney said she was looking to get back onto the Interstate southbound and was told by “someone” to get right back on the adjacent ramp. The Southbound entrance ramp to the Interstate was closed and had numerous barricades around it.

Deputies said Courtney drove around the barricades and struck a barricade that was meant to keep eastbound Highway 20 traffic from entering the interstate. She caused significant damage to the barricade and proceeded to enter the Interstate.

While on the interstate she drove between a work crew vehicle and barricades. She eventually turned around and was later stopped by Deputies. Courtney was ultimately arrested for operating while intoxicated-second offense, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration-second offense, hit-and-run, failing to obey a traffic sign and reckless driving in a work area.

All southbound lanes of the Interstate were closed at Highway 20 in Racine County starting at about 10 p.m. on May 19. Authorities said there were numerous warning signs regarding the closure as well as traffic barrels and barricades put in place to protect the workers who were present throughout the night.