Construction Crews Hit the Road: Wisconsin Drivers Urged to Stay Alert for Worker Safety

TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) – The early indications of summertime conditions have initiated another seasonal change in Wisconsin: construction season. While you might get frustrated due to traffic holdups, road workers are urging everyone to stay patient for both their safety and yours.

David Karnes serves as the chief of Traffic Systems & Management at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. In this role, he supervises the state's traffic management center, which ensures the safety of Wisconsin’s roadways. His team handles the coordination and management of traffic events and collaborates with local authorities for prompt emergency responses.

He understands that one of the few things everyone agrees on is the poor state of roads and the abundance of potholes. We should mainly attribute this issue to the harsh Wisconsin winters. The solution? Commence road construction.

"One aspect of summers in Wisconsin is that work zones seem to appear all over the state, correct? These construction areas frequently result in lane changes, decreased speed limits, and possible unexpected halts," explained Karnes.

For those behind the wheel who aren't concentrating, the outcomes can be fatal.

Over the past five years, there have been over 10,000 accidents in construction areas, resulting in more than 3,600 injuries and 56 fatalities.

This summer, Northwoods visitors traveling via Highway 8 in Lincoln County will face significant construction work. Teams will resurface Highway 8 between McCord Road and approximately County Highway L, upgrade the railway intersection, install new guardrails along the Tomahawk River, mark lanes for snowmobile crossings, incorporate rumble strips to enhance cyclist safety, and undertake additional improvements.

The complete length of the road spans approximately 15 miles. The project is anticipated to be completed by October. In the meantime, Karnes advises motorists to prioritize safety for all.

It is everybody's duty to drive safely and make responsible choices when they are at the steering wheel.