Packer traffic jams coming this week

Posted at 4 p.m. on August 7, 2017

The Brillion News

TITLETOWN U.S.A. – What gastronomic creation results when a Packer fan and an Eagles fan collide on the way to Thursday’s exhibition game at Lambeau Field? A Philly-Cheesehead Steak Sandwich, of course.

But seriously folks, the state Department of Transportation is warning motorists that the August 10 NFL pre-season game could cook up a mess on area highways.

Thursday night’s game will likely have a significant impact on traffic operations due to the combination of game day traffic and commuter traffic.

The DOT will open as many lanes as possible on construction projects in northeast Wisconsin to move the increased traffic as effectively as possible, but some work zones will still have traffic control devices, soft shoulders, narrow lanes and barrier walls present. 

The DOT encourages those traveling to the game to plan their trip to include alternate routes and plenty of time to get to the game. Commuters not heading to the game are encouraged to find alternate routes off of the main interstate and highway system, if possible.

Everyone on the roads needs to pay close attention and not drive distracted, as slow downs and back-ups can occur suddenly.

Construction project areas that have a higher probability of affecting traffic flow include I-43 in Manitowoc County and the State 441 Tri-County Expansion Project in the Calumet, Winnebago and Outagamie counties.

I-43 is down to a single lane of travel in portions of Manitowoc County. Motorists could also experience slow travel on 441, U.S. 10 and I-41 in the 441 Project work zone.

Closer to the stadium, all lanes of travel in construction zones will be open in Brown County, although I-41, State 172 and I-43 could experience backups.

I-41 interchanges at Oneida Street, Lombardi Avenue, 172 and I-43 are also potential areas where delays may occur due to higher volumes of traffic.

I-41 from Kaukauna to De Pere will be open to all lanes of travel five hours before and five hours after the game. I-41 near Wrightstown will continue in its current configuration with split traffic in one direction, but two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction for game day.

Ashland Avenue lanes, intersections and ramps are now open to all traffic following completion of the project on August 4.  

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 at www.511wi.gov or by calling 511.