Most Road Construction Done in Time for Thanksgiving Travel

From the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Although most major road construction projects have concluded for the year, drivers traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday may encounter some ongoing work and should be prepared for orange barrels, lane shifts, and reduced speeds.

"Because of the extraordinary road construction season this year, we’ve been able to wrap up the majority of projects before Thanksgiving," said Don Greuel of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) Project Services Section. "There no longer are detours on major highways for construction projects, but there are a few spots where lane restrictions are still in place."

WisDOT expects traffic to be heavy on Friday, November 16, as deer hunters flock to the woods and again on Wednesday, November 21, when motorists travel to join friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The heaviest traffic day on major highways is expected to be Sunday, November 25, when deer hunters and holiday travelers converge to make the return trip home.

In anticipation of heavy holiday traffic, which could cause sudden and unexpected back-ups, WisDOT 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 Wisconsin 511 (www.511wi.gov) or by calling 511 on their phone.

Last year, five people died in traffic crashes in Wisconsin during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from 6 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to midnight on the following Sunday.

"Traffic crashes that kill or injure people are tragic any time of year, but they seem to be even more devastating during the holidays," says Wisconsin State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable, director of the Bureau of Transportation Safety. "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving, so we urge you to buckle up, slow down, pay attention and drive sober."