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Wisconsin DOT Reminds Drivers to Plan Ahead, Be Patients, and Safe if Traveling this Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 -- 11:00 AM

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds drivers to plan ahead and be patient on Wisconsin roads and in work zones across the state.

According to AAA, more than 744,000 people will travel on Wisconsin roads this holiday weekend. Peak travel times are expected from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday (May 21), between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday (May 22) and from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25.

Motorists can “know before you go" with 511 Wisconsin, online at 511wi.gov or download the free 511 WI app, to view traffic speeds, locations of roadwork, stream live traffic video, and be informed about potential delays on your route.

“Safety on our roads is something we all create together," WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Every choice, slowing down, putting the phone away, watching for workers and other drivers, adds up to safer travel for everyone. This Memorial Day weekend, we can honor that shared responsibility by looking out for one another and doing our part behind the wheel."

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including reduced speed limits, lane shifts and slow or stopped traffic.

To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

  • Buckle Up, Phone Down – every trip, every time. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to take the pledge.
  • Leave the phone alone. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and using a hand-held mobile device is prohibited in work zones.
  • Follow posted speed limits. Fines double in work zones.
  • Do the zipper merge to keep traffic moving during lane restrictions.
  • Move over or slow down. Give space to crews to safely do their work.
  • State law includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance and disabled vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the 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.
  • Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times. 

Visit WisDOT's work zone safety webpage for more tips and information. Wisconsinites and visitors are encouraged to “know before you go" and 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. Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, along sections of I-41 in Brown and Outagamie counties, I-41 and I-94 in Milwaukee County, I-39/90/94 in Columbia County and eastbound I-94 in Monroe County.

The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within major construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Coverage hours vary, but most coverage is seven days per week, up to 14 hours per day.

Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol. Most Wisconsin safety rest areas are open and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. The safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel in northeast Wisconsin are closed for reconstruction.

View the interactive map of WisDOT's roadside facilities. Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) customer service centers will be closed on Memorial Day. DMVs with Saturday hours will be closed on Saturday, May 23.

DMV online service is open 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov.- Travelers may want to consider adding emergency contact information to their license data. Visit wisconsindmv.gov/emergencycontact for the convenient online self-service application.

Only law enforcement can access the information and help expedite contact to a family member or other loved one more quickly in the event of an emergency.

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