Hundreds of construction projects are underway across the state to improve safety and mobility, including the I-39/90/94 bridge reconstruction over the Wisconsin River in Columbia County. Wisconsin State Patrol Lieutenant Adam Zoch joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southwest Region leaders and industry partners to offer a behind-the-barrel experience to area media while emphasizing the message of safe, responsible driving – especially in work zones.

“Speed limits are reduced in work zones for a reason – to protect both road crews and motorists,” said WisDOT Southwest Region Director Dan Schave. “Work zone safety starts with every driver: in addition to reducing your speed, eliminate distractions and give workers the space they need to do their jobs safely.”

Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. More than 2,000 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2025, resulting in seven deaths and more than 600 injuries. Download the WisDOT Southwest Region work zone safety fact sheet​.

The reduced speed limit in the I-39/90/94 work zone is 60 mph to keep everyone safe as drivers navigate lane shifts. Three lanes remain open in each direction during peak travel times to keep people and commerce moving through the area. Download the I-39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River project overview. Stay informed on the major reconstruction project with the Wisconsin River Bridge project website.

The Wisconsin State Patrol regularly monitors work zones through ground patrol and aerial enforcement. Last year, officers in the WisDOT Southwest Region issued nearly 550 citations and warnings for violations in work zones, with most related to speed, distracted driving and reckless behaviors. During seven aerial work zone details that occurred in the WisDOT Southwest Region in 2025, including the I-39/90/94 work zone near Portage, troopers stopped 137 motorists for traffic law violations. The average speeds per detail were at least 18 mph over the posted 60 mph speed limit. The highest speed recorded was a motorist traveling 94 mph through the work zone.

“Every driver plays a critical role in keeping work zones safe,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Lieutenant Zoch. “We patrol these work zones – from the ground and air – to ensure drivers are following the rules of the road. Please be alert for reduced speed limits, changing traffic patterns and potential congestion in work zones. These simple actions help protect workers and prevent crashes.”

Today’s media tour held at the Wisconsin River Bridge project in Columbia County continues WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. In Wisconsin, work zones include highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. WisDOT engages with the Wisconsin County Highway Association, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others in the transportation industry to promote safe driving in work zones.

How can you help keep work zones safe?

  • Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits.
  • Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
  • Move over or slow down. Give space to crews to safely do their work.
    • State law includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance and disabled vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
  • Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.go​v/BUPD​​.

Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety website for more tips and information.