DOT officials warn of heavy traffic, construction during Memorial Day Weekend

MILWAUKEE -- Wisconsin DOT officials are warning of potentially heavy traffic during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. They attribute this to an increase in traffic flow, and construction zones on many major area interstates.

Officials say during the Memorial Day weekend last year, there were seven traffic fatalities.

On average during the last five years, nine people died in Memorial Day weekend traffic crashes.

DOT officials say motorists should allow extra time to get to their destination, be patient when encountering traffic congestion, and, if possible, avoid driving during peak travel hours of between noon and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 25, and noon and 8 p.m. on Monday, May 28.

Additionally, the Click it or Ticket campaign will be in effect during Memorial Day Weekend. Approximately 400 law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin will have more officers patrolling for longer hours to crackdown on unbuckled drivers and passengers. The Click It or Ticket mobilization runs until June 4th.

Motorists can check online for traffic information, including travel times, lane closures and incidents, at www.511wi.gov or by calling 511 on their phone (prior to driving).

Significant road construction projects that may affect highway travel include the following:

Related stories: