Hunting, Holiday Travel Won't Encounter Orange Barrels, Says DOT

As the opening of gun deer season starts on Saturday and the Thanksgiving holiday follows shortly after, drivers will find that most major road construction projects have concluded for the year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Only a few ongoing projects will require drivers to be prepared for orange barrels, lane shifts, and reduced speeds.

“This year, we had a great road construction season and have been able to wrap up the majority of projects before Thanksgiving,” said Don Greuel of WisDOT’s Project Services Section. “There no longer are detours on major highways due to road construction, but there are a few places where lane restrictions are in place.”

Traffic is expected to be heavy on Friday, November 18, as deer hunters head to the woods and then again on Wednesday, November 23, when motorists travel to join friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The heaviest travel day, however, is expected to be Sunday, November 27, when deer hunters and Thanksgiving holiday travelers converge to make the return trip home.

With heavy traffic anticipated, WisDOT officials offer the usual advice: buckle up, slow down, pay attention, be patient, be prepared for inclement weather, and as always, drive sober.  Before venturing out, check current road conditions online or call 511 on your phone.

The following road construction projects may affect holiday travel and drivers on these routes should allow extra time:

• 13 miles of US 41 northbound and southbound between US 45 to Breezewood in Winnebago County has 11-foot wide lanes and restricted shoulders.
• 6 miles of US 41 northbound and southbound between County G and WIS 29 in Brown County has 11-foot lanes and restricted shoulders.