While traveling to their Thanksgiving holiday destination, drivers will find that most major road construction projects have concluded for the year. However, some ongoing projects will require drivers to be prepared for orange barrels, lane shifts, and reduced speeds.
“This year, we had a great road construction season and have been able to wrap up the majority of projects before Thanksgiving,” said Don Greuel of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Project Services Section. “There no longer are detours on major highways due to road construction, but there are a few places where lane restrictions are in place.”
The DOT expects traffic to be heavy on Friday, November 18, as deer hunters head to the woods and then again on Wednesday, November 23, when motorists travel to join friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The heaviest travel day, however, is expected to be Sunday, November 27, when deer hunters and Thanksgiving holiday travelers converge to make the return trip home.
With heavy traffic anticipated, which could cause unexpected back-ups, the DOT officials advise drivers to slow down, pay attention and be patient. As always, they must drive sober and buckle up. Motorists also should be prepared for inclement weather. Before venturing out, they can check current road conditions online at www.511wi.gov or by calling 511 on their phone.
The following road construction projects may affect holiday travel and drivers on these routes should allow extra time:
*13 miles of Highway 41 northbound and southbound between Highway 45 to Breezewood in Winnebago County has 11-foot wide lanes and restricted shoulders.
*6 miles of Highway 41 northbound and southbound between Highway G and Highway 29 in Brown County has 11-foot lanes and restricted shoulders.
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