Most Highway Construction Will Cease Over Labor Day Weekend

During the Labor Day weekend, workers will take a break from construction on most highway projects around the state, but motorists may still encounter lane restrictions in work zones that require extra precautions, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) officials.

WisDOT announced today in a news release that most major highway construction and repair work will cease around noon Friday, Sept. 2, and will not resume until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6.

"However, because of the increased holiday traffic, driving through work zones will be even more challenging," said Don Greuel of the WisDOT Project Service Section. "Drivers will need to slow down, pay attention and avoid following other vehicles too closely when approaching and traveling through work zones."

Greuel said posted work zone speed limits are still in force even when workers are not present.

Peak travel times on highways during the Labor Day weekend are expected to be from noon until 8 p.m. on both Friday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 5.

Last year, eight people died in traffic crashes during the Labor Day weekend. To prevent traffic deaths and injuries, law enforcement officers from all over Wisconsin and throughout the nation will be patrolling in greater numbers and for more hours to arrest drunken drivers during the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which runs through Labor Day. Last year, alcohol-related crashes killed 220 people in Wisconsin and injured 3,511.

“Throughout the state, law enforcement officers are arresting drunken drivers. Last year in Wisconsin, there were more than 40,000 convictions for drunken driving. But despite the risk of arrest, not to mention a violent crash, too many people still drive while impaired,” said State Patrol Major Sandy Huxtable, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety.

Traffic congestion is also expected on Thursday, Sept. 1, because of home games scheduled for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as the season opener for the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team. People going to the games are urged to allow extra time for travel.

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 their phone or visiting 511wi.gov on the Web.

Work zones motorists may encounter during the Labor Day weekend are listed on this map on the WisDOT website.

While you're out and about this weekend, be sure to check out Greendale's great restaurants and stores.