Want to know where lane closures are? WisDOT's Web site can help

July 25, 2008

New Web site can help you make better travel choices

You've planned a great getaway to your favorite Wisconsin destination and know how long it normally takes to get there. So you plan accordingly and leave at the designated time only to have your journey delayed by road maintenance or construction. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation now has Web pages that can help you determine whether there's a lane closure or road construction project along your intended route so you can better plan your trip.

A new Web site (www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/road/laneclosures/closures.htm) provides current lane closure information on state, US and Interstate highways in Wisconsin. The site allows you to click on a region of the state then scroll through an alphabetical list of counties to locate a list of highways that have lane closures scheduled during the current week. The display shows the highway number, the termini (from point a to point b) of the project, and the hours of the day in which the lanes likely will be affected by closure. Some projects only close lanes during daylight hours; others are only closed overnight to minimize the effect on traffic. Still others may require closures for several days, weeks, or months. Where available, detour information is also provided.

The Web site can also provide information on emergency closures, such as those due to flooding or bridge hits by oversize loads. It does not currently provide information for county or local roads. The site is updated hourly.

For longer-term road construction projects, you can also check out the Wisconsin DOT's work zone and detour information Web site (www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/road/workzones.htm). That site provides information on major construction projects on state, US and Interstate highways that may affect your travels. It includes information on lane restrictions, road closures, and detour information, where available.

For more information, contact:
Doug Dembowski, State Traffic Operations, WisDOT
(414) 227-2149, douglas.dembowski@dot.state.wi.us