July 26, 2024

By Lane Kimble

PLOVER, Wis. — Work zones in Portage County pretty much look like ones in any other place: plenty of orange.

But for the past two seasons they’ve added an additional uniform color: brown.

Recognizing a need to improve work zone safety, the County Board approved hiring two deputies specifically to patrol active work zones.

Sheriff Mike Lukas says it’s making a difference, with his deputies making 125 stops in work zones since the start of 2024.

“It takes people out on the street to realize that men and women that are working that are here today have families that they need to go home to,” Lukas said.  “The major violations that we see out on the roads are distracted driving, following too close, and speeding.  These are zero-tolerance for our department.”

Lukas detailed those steps and others Portage County have taken to protect road workers during the North Central Region’s Work Zone Awareness media briefing Thursday morning.

“This isn’t about enforcement, this is about education,” Portage County Highway Commissioner Nathan Check said.  “We can perform all the duties, we can set up the traffic control as per standards, we can perform our work safely, but ultimately it comes down to you as a driver.”

WTBA has worked with WisDOT and industry partners for the past two years to increase work zone safety awareness, extending the messages beyond the traditional single week in April.

American Asphalt Safety Director Rockie Reuter took time to thank police for their efforts in protecting him and his coworkers.

“Road construction is ultimately being done for the benefit of those same drivers who lack patience and concern when it comes to navigating a work zone,” Reuter said.

“While these projects are temporarily taking place, they are a workplace where extremely hard working people simply wish to get the job done, get it done well, and go home safely to their families each and every day.”