TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) - The early indications of summertime weather this year have ushered in another season in Wisconsin: construction season. While encountering traffic slowdowns can be frustrating, road workers are asking everyone to remain patient for their own safety as well as theirs.
David Karnes is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Traffic Systems & Management Chief. He oversees the statewide traffic management center. It helps keep Wisconsin highways safe. His department helps manage traffic incidents and coordinates with local officials on urgent responses.
He knows there’s nothing people can agree on more -- poor road conditions and potholes. We can place the primary blame on Wisconsin winters. The remedy? Road construction.
“One thing about the summer in Wisconsin is work zones are popping up everywhere across the state, right? And construction zones often have lane shifts, reduced speed limits. There can be sudden stops,” said Karnes.
And for drivers who are not paying attention, the consequences are deadly.
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, visitors exploring Northwoods will face significant construction work along Highway 8 in Lincoln County. Crews will repave highway 8 from McCord Road to about County Highway L, replace the railroad crossing, guardrails over the Tomahawk River, add pavement markings at snowmobile crossings, add rumble strips to improve safety for bicyclers and more.
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’s everyone’s responsibility to drive safe and make responsible decisions when they’re behind the wheel.”
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