A crash on I-41 in Outagamie County backs up traffic, December 3, 2025. (WisDOT).
WRIGHTSTOWN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A crash early Wednesday morning closed a portion of I-41 in Outagamie County for hours.
The northbound lanes of I-41 between WIS 55 and County S were closed until about 10:30 a.m. while crews repair the barrier wall. Traffic remained backed up on I-41 during most of the morning commute.
“There was a tanker truck that lost control in the weather, hit the barrier wall for the construction project, jackknifed, which led to a full closure of I-41 northbound,” said Wisconsin Department of Transportation Traffic Engineer Mason Simmons.
Simmons said it was due to the winter road conditions.
“We do see an increase in crashes in the winter, predominantly after it snows, run off the road type crashes,” he explained.
The DOT said it’s important to keep your vehicle stocked and prepared for any weather.
“We do ask people to make sure that their tires the treads on their tires are in good condition,” Simmons said. “That their vehicle is stocked with safety kits including water, towels, blankets, non-perishable foods.”
And Simmons added the DOT still sees drivers going over 70 miles-per-hour in construction zones with speed limits as low as 55 — which can lead to more incidents, especially with icy roads.
Speed is very important, so go slow out there. If you do get stuck, if you do run off the road, don’t panic. We will find you. Try to keep an eye out for what mile marker you passed or what interchange you just passed.
The DOT’s website, 511 Wisconsin, has the latest in traffic delays and road conditions — so as always, make sure to do your research before you hit the road in the snow.
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