Road construction begins across Wisconsin. DOT urges drivers to be attentive for workers’ safety and yours

TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) - The recent first signs of summer-like weather have triggered a different season in Wisconsin -- construction season. It’s easy to become impatient during traffic delays, but road crews are pleading for your patience for your safety and theirs.

David Karnes is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Traffic Systems & Management Chief. He oversees the statewide traffic management center. It helps keep Wisconsin highways safe. His department helps manage traffic incidents and coordinates with local officials on urgent responses.

He knows there’s nothing people can agree on more -- poor road conditions and potholes. We can place the primary blame on Wisconsin winters. The remedy? Road construction.

“One thing about the summer in Wisconsin is work zones are popping up everywhere across the state, right? And construction zones often have lane shifts, reduced speed limits. There can be sudden stops,” said Karnes.

And for drivers who are not paying attention, the consequences are deadly.

In just the last five years, there have been more than 10,000 crashes in work zones, more than 3,600 injuries, and 56 deaths.

Northwoods tourists will encounter major construction on Highway 8 in Lincoln County this summer. Crews will repave highway 8 from McCord Road to about County Highway L, replace the railroad crossing, guardrails over the Tomahawk River, add pavement markings at snowmobile crossings, add rumble strips to improve safety for bicyclers and more.

The entire stretch of road is about 15 miles. Work is expected to wrap up in October. Until then? Karnes urges drivers to keep everyone safe.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to drive safe and make responsible decisions when they’re behind the wheel.”