November 26, 2024

By Lane Kimble

The roads and bridges WTBA members design, build, and maintain will be quite busy this holiday weekend.

AAA predicts 1.6 million people in Wisconsin will travel at least 50 miles, which is a new record.  Peak drive times include Friday from 7-10 a.m., Saturday from 4-8 p.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m., WisDOT says.

While most construction work around the state is winding down as we head into winter, there are some projects – especially near Milwaukee and south-central Wisconsin – which drivers should be aware of.

Several ramps along I-43 and nearby streets in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties will temporarily be closed.  Meanwhile, all three lanes in both directions of I-39/90/94 at the Wisconsin River bridges in Columbia County are open, but drivers should expect lane shifts and speed reductions.

You can prepare for your travels by checking 511wi.gov before hitting the road.

WisDOT provided the following detailed information:

• Columbia County: Three lanes are open in each direction on the I-39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River, south of Portage. Watch for lane shifts and reduced speed limits.
• Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties: Expect intermittent ramp and local street closures in certain segments along I-43 between Glendale and Grafton.
• Milwaukee County: Motorists should expect various ramp closures and single lane closures along I-43 between Capitol Drive and the Marquette Interchange.
• Milwaukee County: Three lanes are open in each direction on I-894 between the Mitchell Interchange and 84th Street. All ramps are open.
• Milwaukee County: WIS 32 (N. Lake Drive), between Newberry Blvd. and Edgewood Avenue in the city of Milwaukee, is closed to through traffic for reconstruction work. Northbound and southbound detours are posted.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend.  We’re truly thankful for all the men and women who work on our roads, allowing us to be with family and friends!