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Wisconsin Department Of Transportation

Friday, March 15, 2013

Drinking and Driving? There's An App For That

Hoping to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, the Wisconsin DOT has come up with a "Driving Sober" app.

Wisconsin loves to party. But statistically binge drinking has taken a toll on our health, our lives and our wallets, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. In an effort to keep those who drink from getting behind the wheel, the Wisconsin DOT has launched the “Driving Sober” app, which officials hope will prevent drunken driving arrests and crashes. “Last year during the St. Patrick’s holiday weekend, March 16 to 18, four people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes. This year, if drivers always designate before they celebrate and never get behind the wheel while impaired, we could attain zero traffic deaths,” says State Patrol Maj. Sandra Huxtable, director of the DOT's Bureau of Transportation …

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Terry

4:11 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The whole point of stiffer penalties is to discourage those 40,000 from getting themselves arrested. But yes, to answer your question, I am prepared to pay for it. Statistically speaking, if I am going to be injured or killed by criminal act in this state, it is likely to be a drunk driver. That's 40,000 drivers on the road that could kill me or my family, and those are just the ones that are …   more ›

Friday, December 7, 2012

Roads Could Be Treacherous on the Way to Packers Game

If you're headed north to see Green Bay take on Detroit Sunday, make sure you allow yourself some extra time for travel.

If you're lucky enough to have tickets to Sunday night's prime-time showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, make sure you allow yourself a little extra time for the trip north because the roads could be treacherous. The National Weather Service says a significant storm that could bring more than 6 inches of snow to north-central and northeast Wisconsin could begin as early as late Saturday night and continue into Sunday night. The weather service says hazardous travel conditions could occur in the Green Bay area as a result of the snowfall, so allow some extra time on your way to Lambeau Field. Forecasters also note, however, that there still a lot of uncertainty about the size and strength of the storm. The good news…

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Nuitari

1:32 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012

The Lions will have a greater chance of winning than it will snow.   more ›

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Hwy. 33 Likely Traffic to Switch Lanes Thursday

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation continues to move closer to finishing its Highway 33 construction project.

With the portion of Grand Avenue that was closed to traffic as part of the Highway 33 construction project now open, traffic has been filtering up and down the roadway through the three partially completed roundabouts that were a main focus on the project — and construction work is still moving right along to get all the final touches completed. "They do plan on moving traffic to the inside lanes next Thursday at 7 a.m.," Port Washington City Engineer Rob Vanden Noven said. "That’s the plan. Not everything always goes according to schedule. … (Also), just about all the sidewalk is in with the exception of the bike path.” The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is still working on a plan for possible night paving, and has some …

Ken

2:23 pm on Saturday, June 9, 2012

This project has been painfully slow. I've seen many larger projects completed faster, with a higher level of quality as well (such as concrete instead of asphalt).   more ›

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Will be Heavy

There's also a "Click It or Ticket" initiative so be sure to be safe and buckle up.

Wisconsin motorists and out-of-state tourists will swarm onto highways during the Memorial Day weekend and may encounter work zones where they will need to stay alert, slow down, and not tail-gate. Rear-end collisions caused primarily by distracted driving, speeding and following other vehicles too closely are the most frequent type of crash when approaching and driving through work zones. During the Memorial Day weekend last year, there were seven traffic fatalities. On average during the last five years, nine people died in Memorial Day weekend traffic crashes, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. With heavy traffic anticipated, which could cause unexpected back-ups and slow downs, motorists should allow extra time to…

Sunday, May 20, 2012

DOT Secretary: Buckle Up, Save Lives

To increase safety belt use, law enforcement officers throughout Wisconsin will be patrolling city streets, rural roads, and major highways—day and night—during the Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 21 to June 3.

Editor's Note: The following Letter to the Editor was provided to Patch via Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb. Dear Editor, Traffic deaths in Wisconsin so far this year have increased compared with the same time last year. Tragically, in all too many of these recent deadly crashes, the drivers and passengers may have survived if they had been buckled up. It is a proven fact that wearing a safety belt will effectively protect you from being ejected from a vehicle or thrown around violently inside during a crash and possibly hitting another vehicle occupant with massive force. Wearing a safety belt at all times is common sense, so it’s hard to understand why approximately one out of five motorists in our state …

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Terry

4:42 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

Switcherroo? For what purpose? It's a ten dollar ticket, and they aren't even allowed to add court costs. They lose money on every one of these they issue.   more ›

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Born to Ride: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

The Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program is celebrating its 30 year anniversary while also reminding motorists to be careful on the road.

The weather hit 70 degrees and then-some in Port Washington and Saukville this week — temperatures that make motorcycle riders antsy to get out on the road. Perfect timing, as May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: More than 500,000 Wisconsin residents have motorcycle licenses or permits and more than 300,000 motorcycles are registered in the state. "During May, which is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we’re reminding motorists to share the road and watch for motorcycles, especially at intersections and while making turns and lane changes," said Greg Patzer, manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program, which is celebrating its 30 year …

Friday, January 20, 2012

Snow=Slow: Motorists, Take It Slow Out There

Going anywhere today? Heed these warnings and get where you need to go.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is advising motorists to monitor changing weather conditions and take it slow on area roadways.  State safety officials offer the following tips for winter warriors: Protect yourself and your passengers and allow extra time to reach your destination: Watch for snowplows: Extreme temperatures can lead to vehicle breakdowns: Visit www.511wi.gov or calling 5-1-1 for the latest incidents and road condition reports.

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$$andSense

1:02 pm on Sunday, January 22, 2012

And now I am jealous. I LOVED those old Cadillac's. For whatever reason winter always brings out my best memories of growing up. Hunting, the woodstove and smell ofi it, mom's beef stew, etc. etc. Do any of you recall the 1976 ice storm power outage?   more ›

Friday, November 18, 2011

Holiday Travelers Need To Be Aware Of Work Zones

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southeast Region is reminding motorists to expect congestion and stay alert in work zones.

Hunters and holiday travelers are advised of the following work zones that will be in effect through the end of November:   KENOSHA COUNTY MILWAUKEE COUNTY   OZAUKEE COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY   WAUKESHA COUNTY Some tips for a safer drive: 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

'Tis the Season of Deer Hitting

At this time of year, locals hit more deer at dawn and dusk when the animals are on the move.

When you step inside Kaliber Collision Repair in Port Washington, one of the first things you're likely to notice is the artificial buck head staring you down from the wall. Then you might see the two wire reindeer sculptures draped in Christmas lights. It's in October every year that these advertisements start to pay off. "We have people calling in, saying, 'Hey, do you still do repairs for deer collisions?' " Kaliber office manager Carrie Baake said. October and November constitute the mating season for deer, so the animals are more active at dawn and dusk as they move between the places they eat and their bedding areas. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 16,947 deer-vehicle collisions reported last year…

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

WisDOT to Install New Lighting in Marquette Interchange; Lane Closure Expected This Week

The 'digital chevron' system installed will be a first in the state.

Commuters, take note: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will implement a new technology in the Marquette Interchange from the I-94 eastbound ramp to northbound I-43 in starting July 12. The installation will close the right lane on I-94 eastbound between the 13th Street exit and the connector ramp to I-43 northbound from July 12-15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While travel times may be longer, John Oimoen, manager with WisDOT, said the operation will ultimately improve operations and safety on our transportation network.” He also said “a new dynamic chevron system is a cost-effective way to help motorists stay alert and monitor their speeds in this area.” This system is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and WisDOT said benefits…

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