If you're traveling for Memorial Day this weekend in Wisconsin, here's what to expect

Drew Dawson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·5 min read

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times each year. Marking the start of summer, people emerging from the winter are looking to get out around the country and even internationally.

With all the excitement though comes some headaches for travel. According to AAA, an estimated 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend.

If you're one of these estimated thousands, here's what you need to know.

When are the best and worst times to drive?

According INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, the worst times to drive over Memorial Day weekend are 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Monday.

The best times to drive are before 1 p.m. Thursday, before noon on Friday, and before 10 a.m. on Monday.

Traffic is estimated to be minimal on Saturday and Sunday.

Are there any Wisconsin roads to avoid over Memorial Day weekend?

While many major construction projects will be paused over the holiday weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation still lists some highways and roads to be aware of around the state.

North Central Wisconsin

  • Marathon County: WIS 29 is reduced to a single lane in each direction between Marathon County E and Marathon County H.

  • Marathon County: WIS 107 is reduced to a single lane in each direction between Maratech Avenue and North Street in the Village of Marathon City.

  • Oneida County: WIS 17 is reduced to a single lane in each direction between US 8 and Stevens Street in Rhinelander.

  • Waushara County: WIS 21 is closed to through traffic between Coloma and Wautoma. Traffic is detoured via WIS 73 and I-39.

Northeast Wisconsin

  • Brown County: Southbound I-43 reduced to one lane across the Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay. Motorists should expect delays and consider crossing the Fox River via WIS 172.

  • Outagamie County: WIS 54, between Shiocton and Seymour, is closed to through traffic. Motorists should follow the signed detour routes via WIS 76, County A, WIS 47, County B, WIS 55, County G and County PP.

Northwest Wisconsin

  • Buffalo County: WIS 35 is reduced to a single lane controlled by temporary traffic signals at three bridge locations – two in Fountain City and one northwest of the WIS 35/54 intersection.

  • Polk County: US 63 is reduced to a single lane controlled by temporary traffic signals at 7th Street North in the village of Clear Lake.

  • Polk and St. Croix counties: WIS 65 is closed from the north junction of Jewell Street in Star Prairie to US 8 in the town of Balsam Lake. Traffic is detoured via US 8, WIS 46 and WIS 64.

  • Sawyer County: US 63 is closed in Hayward, and traffic is detoured via WIS 27, Railroad Street and WIS 77.

  • Washburn County: US 53 is reduced to a single lane in each direction on the southbound lanes between Pine Grove Road in the town of Sarona and Wildcat Road in the town of Beaver Brook.

Southeast Wisconsin

  • Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties: Expect intermittent ramp, lane, and local street closures in certain segments along I-43 between Milwaukee and Grafton.

  • Milwaukee County: Three lanes remain open in both directions on I-41/US 45 (Zoo Interchange North Leg Project) between Watertown Plank Road and Burleigh Street. Ramps at North Avenue remain closed, as well as the Burleigh Street on-ramp to I-41 southbound.

  • Racine County: WIS 20 is closed from WIS 36 to US 45 near Waterford. Motorists should use the posted detour via WIS 36/WIS 83, WIS 11 and US 45.

  • Walworth County: Motorists will encounter single lane closures in both directions along US 12 between Lake Geneva and Elkhorn.

Southwest Wisconsin

  • Columbia County: Two lanes are open each way on I-39/90/94 at the WIS 60 interchange near Lodi. Watch for reduced speed limits and lane shifts.

  • Juneau County: I-90/94 is open to two lanes in each direction on temporary roadway and bridge structures at the WIS 82 interchange in Mauston. Watch for reduced speed limits and lane shifts.

  • Monroe County: Motorists will encounter a traffic shift on I-90/94 near Camp Douglas. All lanes are open in this work zone.

How many people in Wisconsin are expected to travel?

AAA estimates that around 800,000 Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles from home. Their estimates includes nearly 720,000 auto travels, over 42,000 air travelers and nearly 40,000 taking other forms of transportation.

That's a higher estimate than 2022. Around 750,000 Wisconsinites were estimated to have traveled more than 50 miles from home.

The 2023 estimate is less than the peak year in 2019, when an estimated 827,000 Wisconsinites traveled for the Memorial Day weekend.

How can I get the latest on road conditions and traffic in Wisconsin?

Check 511 Wisconsin on its app or website.

What will gas prices look like Memorial Day weekend?

AAA says that gas prices have moved lower in recent weeks, but it's too early to know if that downward trend will continue Memorial Day weekend. However, it’s unlikely that prices will come anywhere near the state average that holiday travelers paid last year of $4.38 per gallon.

What if I'm not traveling?

For those staying in the state, there are plenty of things going on around the state to enjoy from beaches, camping, hiking, and supper clubs.

For those in Milwaukee, you can find what celebrations are happening in the metro area to honor our veterans killed in action here.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What will traffic look like in Wisconsin over Memorial Day Weekend?