Work to make a safe Labor Day weekend for traveling

The WisDOT reminds those who travel during the Labor Day weekend, to buckle up, plan their routes and drive carefully though work zones.

“Every driver on Wisconsin’s roads can make a difference,” said WisDOT secretary-designee Craig Thompson.

Thompson and the WisDOT offers the following safety reminders: • Slow down. Posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions. Drivers are required to travel at a “reasonable and prudent” speed, based on weather and traffic conditions. Holiday weekends typically mean more traffic. Be prepared for delays and traffic slowdowns.

• Eliminate distractions and focus on what’s ahead. Texting while driving is prohibited and very dangerous. It is also illegal in Wisconsin, for drivers to use a handheld mobile device in work zones (except in an emergency).

• Be prepared to move over or slow down when approaching emergency responders, including police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles that are stopped along a highway, with their warning lights flashing. If the vehicle breaks down, try to get safely off the highway, remain buckled up and wait for help to arrive.

• Drivers are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time to avoid work zones.

• All Wisconsin rest areas are open. These facilities offer restrooms and a break from travel.

• Vehicles that have not been driven recently should be inspected for safe travel, which includes checking tire pressure and fluid levels.

Road construction projects that may impact Labor Day weekend travel include Rusk County, where State Hwy. 40 is closed at the Devils Creek bridge, north of Bruce. Traffic is detoured via State Hwys. 8, 27 and 70.

For up-to-the-minute information on work zones – and incidents that may affect highway travel – motorists can access the state’s 511 travel information system by visiting 511wi. gov, downloading the free 511 Wisconsin mobile app, or by dialing 511.