WisDOT officials join law enforcement, industry partners urging drivers to ‘respect the zone, so we all get home’

Construction work is underway on the multi-year Interstate 41 expansion project between Appleton and De Pere. Hundreds of workers are rebuilding the major corridor to reduce congestion and enhance safety for thousands of travelers. WisDOT Deputy Secretary Scott Lawry today joined Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, law enforcement officials and industry partners at a news conference in Appleton to promote safe, responsible driving in work zones.

“Crews are actively transforming the I-41 corridor to make travel better for folks who live and work here, as well as visitors coming to our great state,” WisDOT Deputy Secretary Lawry said. “We often focus on a project’s end goal of a safer and more efficient route to work, school and appointments, but we must remember the current goal – keep work zones safe. Please slow down, leave room to brake, buckle up and always put the phone down.”

According to WisDOT data, more than 2,150 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths (including two construction workers) and more than 750 injuries. Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. State law prohibits texting while driving on any road. It is also illegal to use a hand-held mobile device in work zones and in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. State, county and local law enforcement regularly patrol Wisconsin roads and encourage voluntary compliance with the rules of the road.

“Every flashing light, every orange barrel, and every warning sign in a work zone is there for a reason: to protect a person trying to get home at the end of the day,” said Captain Nate Borman with Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. “This isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about making sure that highway workers, emergency responders, and our fellow drivers all make it home safely.”

Today’s event held at the I-41 Project Field Office in Appleton concludes WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across Wisconsin. The event is part of a robust messaging campaign to promote safety during the I-41 construction project. Campaign goals include strong media relations to keep residents up-to-date on project milestones, continual project messaging on WisDOT social media platforms and a new initiative to play work zone safety public service announcements on gas pump screens throughout the corridor, reaching more than one million travelers in northeast Wisconsin this construction season.

Throughout the construction season, WisDOT engages with county highway partners, Wisconsin County Highway Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others to promote safe driving in work zones in all regions of the state.

How can people help improve work zone safety?

·        Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and follow posted speed limits.

·        Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.

·        Give space to emergency responders. Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.

·        Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.go​v/BUPD​​.

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