Wisconsin DOT Reminds Drivers to Make Smart Choices Behind the Wheel this Labor Day Weekend; Possible Local Construction Impacts
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 -- 11:01 AM
As Wisconsinites finalize their plans for the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds drivers that a safe trip starts with smart choices behind the wheel.
According to AAA, peak travel times are expected from 2-7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 3), between noon and 8 p.m. Friday (Sept. 4) and from 2-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Stay ahead of those busier times and “know before you go" with 511 Wisconsin to access hundreds of traffic cameras, view current travel speeds or incidents along your route.
“Labor Day weekend is a time to make memories and enjoy one last summer adventure," WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “As our roads get busier this holiday weekend, let's make safety part of the plan; slow down, buckle up, put the phone away and drive sober. Every safe choice helps ensure everyone gets home safely." Most road construction will pause over the holiday weekend to open as many lanes as possible.
Significant road construction projects that may impact Labor Day weekend travel include:
- Marathon County: WIS 29 is restricted to a single lane in each direction between WIS 97 and WIS 107 near Athens. The Marathon County H interchange ramps are closed.
- Wood and Portage counties: WIS 13/34 is closed between Rudolph and US 10. Traffic is detoured via WIS 66, I-39, and US 10.
- Clark County: WIS 13 is restricted to a single lane of traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals at the culvert between Pine and Center Roads and the structure north of Willow Road, all between Abbotsford and Dorchester.
- Clark County: WIS 98 remains open to traffic from WIS 73 south of Greenwood to Helm Street in Loyal, but motorists will encounter single-lane closures controlled by temporary traffic signals at three locations in the project limits.
- Eau Claire County: I-94 between the US 53 interchange and Mallard Road southwest of Eau Claire is open to two lanes of traffic each way. Watch for reduced speed limits and temporary eastbound traffic lanes in a portion of the work zone.
Do your part to keep work zones safe
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.
Travel info on Wisconsin highways
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:
- Download the free 511 Wisconsin app
- Visit 511wi.gov
- Follow @511WI on X
- Call 511
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 I-94 in St. Croix 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. Wisconsin safety rest areas are open and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. View the interactive map of WisDOT's roadside facilities.
DMV's holiday hours and convenient online service 24/7
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) customer service centers will be closed on Labor Day. 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.