Heading North to Catch Women's US Open? Increased Traffic Will Mean Increased Patrols

July 2 to 8: State Patrol, Sheboygan Co. Sheriff’s Office, Kohler Police Department will work together on traffic control for U.S. Women’s Open

Interstate 43, WIS 23 and other major highways in eastern Wisconsin will be even busier next week when golf fans travel to Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., for the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open  (USWO) from July 2 to 8, which includes the Fourth of July holiday.

Due to the expected increase in traffic during the USWO, the Wisconsin State Patrol is teaming up with the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office and Kohler Police to control traffic.

“Interstate 43 and WIS 23 commuters as well as other drivers must be ready for more vehicles on highways during the USWO,” says Capt. Nick Scorcio of the State Patrol Northeast Region based in Fond du Lac. “Working with the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office, Kohler Police Department and community leaders, we have developed comprehensive plans to move traffic to and from Blackwolf Run safely and efficiently. However, drivers on I-43, WIS 23 and other roadways in the area must be exceptionally patient, cautious and alert because traffic conditions may change rapidly during the USWO. Spectators also are strongly encouraged to carpool to Kohler.

Up-to-the-minute information on work zones and incidents that may affect highway travel is available on the 511 Wisconsin Travel Information system by dialing 511 on a phone or visiting www.511wi.gov on the web.

“To help traffic move safely and efficiently during the USWO, we ask drivers to follow the directions posted on message signs and those given by law enforcement officers,” Captain Scorcio says. “We also ask drivers to not stop or slow down to talk with officers directing traffic unless it’s an emergency.  Stopping or slowing down to talk to officers could cause traffic to back up, which increases the risks of crashes.”