GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says drivers should expect heavier than normal traffic this weekend, especially Saturday.
That’s because DOT officials believe that Saturday’s Wisconsin-LSU game at Lambeau Field will bring as much, if not more, people to the area than a typical Green Bay Packers game.
This weekend is also Labor Day weekend, which means lots of people will be looking to take a trip. More RVs and motor homes than usual are expected in the area in the days leading up to the game; people traveling in those vehicles are being encouraged to reserve parking spots in advance.
There are also many construction projects that will impact traffic – especially along Interstate 41 in the Green Bay area. Here is a rundown of construction zones to be aware of:
Near Lambeau Field
I-41, WIS 172 and I-43 could experience significant backups near the stadium on game day, as could the I-41 interchanges at Oneida Street, WIS 172 and I-43. Barrier walls, orange barrels, and narrow lanes will affect travel. Due to the I-41 Project construction, 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 four hours before and after the game, and Friday evening. Friday evening work commuters should strongly consider using alternate routes off the state highway system.
I-41 mainline
Barrier wall, narrow lanes, short merge distances and orange barrels will be present at various locations.
Brown County
- Drivers will encounter 11-foot travel lanes and reduced shoulders in multiple locations along a 10-mile segment of highway. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph between Grant Street and Lineville Road. Temporary barrier wall at various locations will cause traffic to slow.
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 172 and I-41/WIS 172 Interchange
Motorists should expect heavy congestion and potential long 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.
- Eastbound WIS 172 to northbound I-41 ramp is closed. Detour: Eastbound WIS 172 traffic seeking northbound I-41 will be detoured off at Vanderperren Way, take Vanderperren Way west to Holmgren Way, follow Holmgren Way east to westbound WIS 172 ramp and take westbound WIS 172 to northbound I-41.
- There is construction at the on and off-ramps from WIS 172 at County YY (Pilgrim Way) in Ashwaubenon. This WILL back up traffic exiting WIS 172 at the Oneida St. exit. The ramps are open, but traffic is only allowed to go west on County YY (Pilgrim Way).
I-43/I-41 interchange
Brown County
- The new system-to-system interchange is OPEN. Travelers can use the northbound I-43 (over the Leo Frigo Bridge) to southbound I-41 ramp to access interchanges on Green Bay’s west side for travel to Lambeau Field.
- Pay attention to new signage and lane configurations, as many drivers will be traveling the new interchange for the first time.
- Use of this interchange is highly recommended as an alternative to WIS 172.
I-41/Velp Avenue interchange
Brown County
- Full closure of I-41 entrance and exit ramps at Velp Avenue
- Full closure of Velp Avenue under I-41
WIS 441, US 10 and Roland Kampo Bridge
Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties
- Drivers should be aware of orange barrels, narrow lanes, barrier walls and reduced speed limits.
- US 10 eastbound between County CB and I-41 northbound is reduced to a single lane.
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.
The majority of LSU fans and downstate Badgers fans heading to the game will travel via Dane County and/or Milwaukee County. Most fans will use either I-43 through Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Brown counties, or I-41 through Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Outagamie and Brown counties, when traveling through northeast Wisconsin to Lambeau Field. Here are some potential trouble spots further away from Lambeau Field.
Milwaukee County – Zoo Interchange lane closure
- I-41/I-894 northbound has a lane closed at National Avenue.
- There are frequent backups and delays associated with this closed lane. Friday afternoon sees the longest delays often exceeding 15 minutes. Limited impacts to traffic are expected Saturday morning.
Dane and Rock counties – I-39 and I-90
- Two lanes will remain open in each direction on I-39/90, between Beloit and Madison, during the Labor Day weekend; however, there are active work zones throughout the 45 mile section of Interstate.
- Barrier wall, narrow lanes, short merge distances and orange barrels will be present.
- Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time when traveling through this area.
- Backups and delays occur on I-39/90 northbound on Friday afternoons and I-39/90 southbound on Sunday afternoons/evenings due to heavy traffic volumes, especially during the summer months and holidays.
- For any fans traveling during the week, nighttime single lane closures occur on I-39/90 northbound and southbound Interstate in work zones between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Monday through Friday.
The DOT recommends drivers plan ahead, use alternate routes and pay attention to information on highway traffic message boards. Residents of the Green Bay area who are not traveling or going to the game are advised to use local roads if they need to leave home.
For current traffic conditions, call 511, check the 511 Wisconsin website or use the 511 Wisconsin mobile app. Drivers should not check these sources while they are driving; check before leaving, pull off the roadway to check or have a passenger check.
