WisDOT’s recipe for a safe Thanksgiving weekend

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is sharing its recipe for a safe holiday weekend on Wisconsin roads. Ingredients include plenty of seat belts, a pinch of patience, heaps of courtesy to other travelers, one charged smartphone with the free 511 Wisconsin app, a full tank of gas and an emergency kit.

“Whether you’re traveling across the state or across town, we all play a role in making Wisconsin’s roads safe for the holidays,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We’re thankful to the people who work day and night to keep our highways safe – emergency responders, highway workers, WisDOT staff, and many more professions. We must work together to keep our roads safe – plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down, and avoid distractions. Safe driving choices save lives.”

According to AAA, about 1.65 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday. Peak travel times are anticipated between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 26), 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday (Nov. 28), 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 29) and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 30). With winter weather forecast for most of Wisconsin over the next few days, drivers are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. WisDOT advises travelers to use various resources (511 Wisconsin, radio, television, weather apps, etc.) to make an informed decision before you travel.

Most highway projects are winding down for the 2025 construction season. Reduced speed zones, lane shifts and restrictions may remain in active work zones. WisDOT highway projects that could impact travelers include:

• Brown and Outagamie counties: Two lanes are open each way on I-41 between Appleton and Green Bay. Watch for lane shifts and reduced speed limits.
• Columbia County: Three lanes are open in each direction on the I-39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River, south of Portage. Watch for lane shifts and reduced speed limits.
• Milwaukee County: I-94, between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive, remains open to at least two lanes in each direction. Motorists can expect various ramp closures along the corridor. Expect slower traffic in this area.
• Milwaukee County: I-41, between Burleigh Street and Good Hope Road, remains open to at least two lanes in each direction. Motorists can also expect various ramp closures along the corridor. Expect slower traffic in this area.
• Rock County: I-43 is reduced to one lane in each direction from Hart Road to the east Rock County line.
• Winnebago County: The US 45/Main Street Bridge across the Fox River in Oshkosh is closed for construction until April 2026. Vehicles and pedestrian traffic are detoured to the Jackson Street bridge.

“Know before you go” and access real-time information on travel times, winter road conditions, live traffic cameras and incidents across Wisconsin:

• Download the free 511 Wisconsin app
• Visit 511wi.gov
• Follow @511WI on X
• Call 511

Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving.

WisDOT offers these safety reminders:

• Buckle Up, Phone Down. Every trip, every time. Take the pledge.
• Focus on road ahead. Eliminate distractions – texting and driving is illegal in Wisconsin.
• Drive sober. Designate a driver before you celebrate.
• Drive with caution. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions – slow down when traffic or weather worsens.
• Move Over, Slow Down. Wisconsin law requires drivers to move over or slow down for all vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights. State law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
• Plan breaks. Use safety rest areas and roadside facilities to stretch, rest, and stay alert.
  • The safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel are closed for reconstruction.
• Steer It, Clear It. Drivers must 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.

Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, along sections of I-41 in Outagamie and Brown counties, I-41 and I-94 in Milwaukee County, and I-39/90/94 in Columbia County. The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol.

Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) customer service centers will be closed from Thursday, November 27 to Saturday, November 29. DMV online service is open 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov. Online shoppers should sign up for DMV’s eNotify (wisconsindmv.gov/eNotify) for alerts and to receive confirmation of transactions to avoid fraudulent activities on their account.

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.