MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) advises motorists to pack some patience on Wisconsin roads and avoid distractions throughout the summer. According to AAA, more than 750,000 people were traveling on Wisconsin roads during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Motorists are encouraged to use the state’s free traveler information resource — 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov — to “know before you go” with access to travel speeds, live traffic cameras and locations of roadwork.
“We’re expecting a lot of traffic throughout the summer travel season, so we’re urging drivers to be ‘Midwest nice.’ Be courteous to other travelers, follow posted speed limits, and watch the road ahead,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we need to remind ourselves, family, and friends to slow down and practice safe driving habits — especially in work zones. Crews work day and night to improve the roads and bridges we rely on and as drivers, we have a duty to protect them. It takes all of us to keep our roads safe — so please buckle up and put your phone down.”
Access real-time information on travel conditions, live traffic cameras, work zones and incidents across Wisconsin:
● Download the free 511 Wisconsin app
● Visit 511wi.gov
● Follow @511WI on X
● Dial 511
Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on the road ahead.
Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol along sections of I-41 in Brown and Outagamie counties, I-43 in Milwaukee County, and I-39/90/94 in Columbia County. The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within major construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Coverage hours vary, but most coverage is seven days per week, up to 14 hours per day. Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol.
Most Wisconsin rest areas are open and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. The rest area along I-90 westbound near Sparta and the rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel are closed for reconstruction.
WisDOT offers these safety reminders:
● Buckle Up, Phone Down — every trip, every time. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to take the pledge.
● Slow down. Posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions. Drivers are required to travel at a “reasonable and prudent” speed based on weather and traffic conditions.
● Eliminate distractions and focus on what’s ahead. Texting while driving is prohibited and very dangerous. It is also illegal in Wisconsin for drivers to use a handheld mobile device in work zones.
● Move over or slow down for emergency responders stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
● Steer It, Clear It! State law requires drivers to move vehicles involved in a crash out of traffic if no one is hurt and the vehicles can be moved safely. If someone is hurt or the vehicle is disabled, drivers should not risk injury by trying to push the vehicle out of traffic.
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle customer service centers will be closed on Memorial Day, but citizens can conduct DMV business online 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov.
Travelers may want to consider adding emergency contact information to their license data. Visit wisconsindmv.gov/emergencycontact for the convenient online self-service application. Only law enforcement can access the information and help expedite contact to a family member or other loved one more quickly in the event of an emergency.