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Wisconsin DOT Reminds Driver to Focus on the Road, Be Safe and Courteous, and Slow on State Roads this Memorial Day Weekend

Friday, May 24th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM

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Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds drivers to focus on the road ahead, be courteous to other drivers and slow down on Wisconsin roads.

According to AAA, Wisconsinites will travel in near-record numbers this holiday weekend. Peak travel times are expected between noon and 7 p.m. Friday (May 24) and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday (May 27). Motorists should plan ahead with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov, and check their route before traveling.

“Millions of drivers will travel on Wisconsin roads this summer to experience all that our state has to offer,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “As you embark on your summer adventures, use 511 Wisconsin to stay informed about travel conditions, and prioritize safety for yourself and others. It takes all of us to keep our roads safe: buckle up, follow posted speed limits, pay attention and avoid distractions.”

Most road construction will pause over the holiday weekend to open as many lanes as possible. Some local significant road construction projects that may impact Memorial Day weekend travel include, in Marathon County:

  • WIS 13 is closed from Spencer to WIS 153. Traffic is detoured via WIS 153 and WIS 97.
  • Also, watch for lane closures on WIS 13 in: Colby between Marathon County N and the southern Colby limits;
  • Spencer from WIS 98 to LaSalle Street;
  • And Unity from 2nd Street to northern Unity limits.

For Wood County:

  • WIS 80 is closed from the Juneau County Line to Necedah Road near Babcock. Traffic is detoured via WIS 173, WIS 73, WIS 13, and WIS 21;
  • Also, the WIS 173/WIS 80 intersection in Babcock is closed to through traffic. WIS 173 remains open, but traffic cannot travel through the intersection. Through traffic is detoured via WIS 173, WIS 21, and WIS 13;
  • And WIS 54/WIS 73 is closed to through traffic from Wisconsin River Drive to Seneca Road near Port Edwards. Local access is maintained for residents and businesses. Through traffic is detoured via WIS 73 and WIS 13.

Access real-time information on travel conditions, live traffic cameras, work zones and incidents across Wisconsin:

Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on the road ahead. The WisDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, is a fleet of specially equipped vehicles located in key WisDOT construction projects that manage highway incidents to keep everyone safe.

Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol. All Wisconsin rest areas are open. These facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. WisDOT offers these safety reminders:

  • Buckle Up, Phone Down, every trip, every time. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to take the pledge;
  • Slow down. Posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions. Drivers are required to travel at a “reasonable and prudent” speed based on weather and traffic conditions;
  • Eliminate distractions and focus on what’s ahead. Texting while driving is prohibited and very dangerous. It is also illegal in Wisconsin for drivers to use a handheld mobile device in work zones;
  • Move over or slow down for emergency responders stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles;
  • Steer It, Clear It! State law requires drivers to move vehicles involved in a crash out of traffic if no one is hurt and the vehicles can be moved safely. If someone is hurt or the vehicle is disabled, drivers should not risk injury by trying to push the vehicle out of traffic.

Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle customer service centers will be closed on Memorial Day, but citizens can conduct DMV business online 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.