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Wisconsin DOT Reminds Drivers to Prepare for Busy Roads this 4th of July Weekend; Possible Local Construction Impacts

By Riley Hebert Jul 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds drivers to prepare for busy roads and celebrate safe driving habits during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

According to AAA, more than 1.4 million Wisconsinites will be driving to their destinations this holiday weekend. Peak travel times are expected from 2-6 p.m. Thursday (July 2), between noon and 7 p.m. Friday (July 3) and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

“Know before you go” with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov or get the free 511 WI app, to stay aware of road conditions and view live traffic cameras on your route. “Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re driving across the state or just across town, your choices behind the wheel matter,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said.

“Buckle up, drive sober, put distractions away and look out for one another. Together, we can make this Fourth of July a safe and memorable celebration across Wisconsin.” Most road construction will pause over the holiday weekend to open as many lanes as possible.

Significant road construction projects that may impact Fourth of July weekend travel, locally, include:

  • Marathon County: WIS 29 is restricted to a single lane in each direction between WIS 97 and WIS 107 near Athens. The WIS 97 interchange is closed. WIS 97 traffic is detoured via WIS 29, WIS 13, WIS 153, and WIS 64.
  • Wood County: The intersection of WIS 73 and WIS 80 in Pittsville is closed. Traffic is detoured via WIS 73, WIS 54, Wood County X, and WIS 80.

Do your part to keep work zones safe

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including reduced speed limits, lane shifts and slow or stopped traffic.

To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

  • Buckle Up, Phone Down – every trip, every time. Encourage family, friends and co-workers to take the pledge.
  • Leave the phone alone. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and using a hand-held mobile device is prohibited in work zones.
  • Follow posted speed limits. Fines double in work zones.
  • Do the zipper merge to keep traffic moving during lane restrictions.
  • Move over or slow down. Give space to crews to safely do their work.
  • State law includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance and disabled vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
  • Steer It, Clear It! State law requires drivers to 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.
  • Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times. 

Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety webpage for more tips and information.

Travel info on Wisconsin highways

Wisconsinites and visitors are encouraged to “know before you go” and access real-time information on travel conditions, live traffic cameras, work zones and incidents across Wisconsin:

Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on the road ahead. Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, along sections of I-41 in Brown and Outagamie counties, I-41 and I-94 in Milwaukee County, I-39/90/94 in Columbia County and I-94 in St. Croix County.

​​The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within major construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Coverage hours vary, but most coverage is seven days per week, up to 14 hours per day. Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol.​

Most Wisconsin safety rest areas are open and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. The safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel in northeast Wisconsin are closed for reconstruction. View the interactive map of WisDOT’s roadside facilities.

DMV’s holiday hours and convenient online service 24/7

Wisconsin Division of Motor V​​ehicle (DMV) customer service centers will be closed on the Fourth of July for any DMVs with Saturday hours. DMV online service is open 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov.​ ​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.

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