GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation say the combination of commuter traffic and fans heading to Thursday’s Green Bay Packers game could make for some traffic headaches.
DOT officials encourage fans traveling to the Packers-Bears game to pre-plan their trip.Other tips include using alternate routes, adjusting your leave to ensure you reach the destination on time, and following the traveler information on the message boards.
Interstate 41, Highway 172 and Interstate 43 could experience backups near the stadium, as could the I-41 interchanges at Lombardi Avenue, Oneida Street, WIS 172 and I-43. Orange barrels, and narrow lanes will affect travel.
Ashland Avenue through De Pere and Ashwaubenon will also experience increased traffic congestion as additional motorists use this as an alternate route. The heaviest congestion is expected three hours before and after the game.
Here is a list of the major highways in northeast Wisconsin most Packer fans will be traveling as they head for Lambeau Field, and the road conditions they should anticipate:
WIS 172 and I-41/WIS 172 Interchange
Brown County
- Motorists should expect congestion and potential delays at the I-41/WIS 172 interchange and on WIS 172 in Brown County from I-43 to the WIS 172/I-41 interchange before and after the game. Motorists should consider alternate routes if possible.
I-41 mainline
Brown County
- Drivers can expect slow-downs within the I-41 Project work zone between WIS 29 and Lineville Road. The speed limit is reduced to 55mph in this area.
Winnebago County
- Drivers will encounter reduced speed limits on I-41 near the US 10/WIS 441/I-41 interchange. Drivers should also watch for reduced lane widths and reduced shoulder widths on northbound and southbound I-41.
WIS 441, US 10 and Roland Kampo Bridge
Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties.
- Drivers should be aware of orange barrels, narrow lanes, and barrier walls and reduced speed limits.
- US 10 eastbound between County CB and I-41 northbound is reduced to a single lane.
US 41, Oconto County
- US 41 from US 141/US 41 split to the south end of Oconto may be reduced to one lane for US 41 resurfacing.
US 141, Marinette County
- US 141 southbound is closed in the village of Wausaukee from WIS 180 to north village of Wausaukee limit. A detour using local streets is posted.
Milwaukee area
- The southbound I-41 ramp to westbound I-94 will be closed overnight Thursday. This may impact travel following the game.
Freeway Service Team
- I-41 Project Freeway Service Teams will be working in Brown County on Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and again from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Freeway Service Team will assist motorists – free of charge – who are involved in minor crashes or are experiencing a breakdown. If necessary, the Freeway Service Team quickly relocates disabled vehicles from the highway’s travel lanes and/or shoulders to safe, pre-designated locations away from traffic.
Services the team provides include:
- Relocating disabled vehicles
- Providing small amounts of fuel
- Handling minor repairs (changing flat tires, battery jump starts)
- Removing small non-hazardous debris from the roadway
- Assisting with traffic control and crash scene clearance
- Please note if you are involved in a crash:
The WisDOT’s Division of State Patrol advises you to immediately call 911 if you are involved in a crash. If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be moved, report the other vehicle’s license plate numbers as you may then be advised to move off the main portion of the roadway to a crash investigation site or to a ramp out of traffic. This will assist first responders in reaching you while helping to clear traffic delays during the critical travel times before and following the game.
Additionally, if your vehicle becomes disabled in the I-41 work zone between De Pere and Suamico, notify authorities immediately, and WisDOT will send the Freeway Service Team vehicle to your location. Motorists can then contact their motor club or towing preference after WisDOT has relocated your vehicle to a more accessible and safe location.
Travelers should allow extra time and can check online for real-time traffic information, including travel times, lane closures and incidents, at 511 Wisconsin online or by calling 511.
