April 19, 2024

By Lane Kimble

WYOCENA, Wis. — You could sense Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner’s frustration even as he walked up to the podium Monday morning.

“Enough is enough,” Brandner said, with some exasperation in his voice.  “This is the year we’re going to make a difference.”

Brandner pledged a no-nonsense, no-exceptions approach for anyone who breaks the law in work zones in his county.  He was one of several speakers during WisDOT’s National Work Zone Awareness Week kickoff press conference in Wyocena, joining Gov. Tony Evers, WisDOT Deputy Secretary Kristina Boardman, and several other state and local leaders.

“It is our responsibility, each and every one of us that get behind that wheel, it is our duty, our responsibility to make sure (road crews are) safe.  They deserve to go home every single night after they’ve worked so hard on our roads,” Brandner said.

The latest data shows why Brandner – and highway crews in general – are fed up.  There were more than 2,100 crashes in Wisconsin work zones in 2023, leading to more than 700 injuries and nine deaths.

Click to view WisDOT’s 2023 Work Zone fact sheet HERE

“It’s never been more important that we help reduce these preventable injuries and accidents, encourage safe driving in work zones and keep our roadside workers safe,” Evers said.

Columbia County has had its fair share of unfortunate and preventable work zone incidents. In the past five years, there were 14 of them, affecting 32 of Highway Commissioner Chris Hardy’s 80 employees.

Hardy listed off each and every incident during his remarks.

“We do our part.  We have clear, concise signage.  We’re well-lit… our personnel are highly trained.  We’re asking that the public does your part,” Hardy said.

“Slow down, move over, find alternate routes, plan ahead, be prepared.  We have a lot of slogans for what you can do.  Remember: work zones are temporary, but actions can last forever.”