Taking Off for the Fourth? DOT Paves the Way

According to Don Greuel, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Project Services, most major highway construction projects in Wisconsin will be on hold through the July 4th holiday period, but motorists may still encounter some lane restrictions. So if the lakes here aren't enough to keep you in Muskego, the drive should be smooth in most areas of the state.

Construction projects on interstate highways will allow at least two lanes in each direction, but motorists should expect delays during peak travel periods, according to WisDOT. 

“Most construction and repairs in work zones will cease by noon on Friday, July 1, and won’t resume until Tuesday, July 5,” said Greuel. “However, the heavy traffic during the holiday weekend will make driving through work zones especially challenging."

He advised common sense measures, like slowing down and paying attention, allowing adequate following distances in work zones. In addition, law enforcement will make sure motorists are watching their speeds.

“To save lives and reduce injuries, approximately 150 Wisconsin law enforcement agencies will mobilize for the Summer Heat traffic safety campaign, which runs until July 16. Officers will have zero tolerance for speeding motorists and unbuckled drivers and passengers,” says Randy Romanski of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety.

Drivers  should plan for adequate time to get to their destination, be patient in heavy traffic, and, if possible, avoid driving during peak travel hours between noon and 8 p.m. on Friday, July 1, as well as between noon and 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

For up-to-the-minute information on work zones and incidents that may affect highway travel, motorists should use the state’s 511 traveler information system by dialing 511 on a phone or visiting 511wi.gov on the web.

State work zones and a corresponding map are available on the DOT's website.