Release date: May 29, 2026
Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. Wisconsin State Patrol Captain Craig Larson joined WisDOT Northwest Region Director Tim Mason and industry partners on May 28 for a media briefing at the Wisconsin State Patrol - Eau Claire Post to stress the importance of safe, responsible driving in work zones – including the I-94 reconstruction project in Eau Claire County. Watch and download soundbites from the media briefing.
“Motorists have the greatest impact on protecting road construction workers and keeping work zones safe," Captain Larson said. “Careless driving puts everyone at risk, especially those working alongside the road. While our officers will be patrolling work zones throughout the summer, from the ground and overhead, keeping these areas safe requires everyone to do their part."
Wisconsin State Patrol provided aerial support on Thursday (May 28) in coordination with ground units to enforce speeding and aggressive driving laws in the I-94 work zone southeast of Eau Claire. Download photos and b-roll video of traffic stops in the I-94 work zone. The two-and-a-half-hour detail resulted in a total of 21 traffic stops, including the following:
- An average speed of 79 mph for traffic stops involving speeding
- 13 stops for 15-19 mph over the limit (62% of stops)
- 8 stops for 20-24 mph over the limit (38% of stops)
- Highest speed recorded: 83.7 mph
- Other traffic stops included drivers following too close or completing unsafe lane changes
The reduced speed limit in the I-94 work zone is 60 mph to keep everyone safe as drivers navigate lane shifts throughout the 8.5-mile long reconstruction project. Download the I-94 project fact sheet.
“We have been partnering with the Wisconsin State Patrol on traffic mitigation efforts in work zones for a long time," said WisDOT Northwest Region Work Zone Engineer Chad Hines. “Aerial patrols in work zones are one way to enforce the rules of the road. In WisDOT's Northwest Region, we tried a couple aerial patrols in 2024 and had huge success with them, so we added those efforts to 2025 and 2026 contracts on the I-94 project in Eau Claire County."
During five aerial details in 2025, troopers stopped 165 motorists for speeding. All of them were traveling at least 18 mph over the posted 60-mph speed limit. The average speeds per detail ranged from 78.9 mph to 84.9 mph. Two motorists were stopped for traveling at just over 100 mph.
“The numbers are staggering, and we're sharing them in an effort to slow motorists down," Mason said. “Speeding reduces motorists' available reaction time and increases the chance of losing control of their vehicle. In addition, higher impact speeds greatly increase the likelihood of severe or fatal outcomes."
WisDOT is urging motorists to practice safe, responsible driving habits – especially in work zones as the 2026 construction and summer travel seasons get underway.
In Wisconsin, work zones come in all shapes and sizes from highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. This year alone, WisDOT anticipates more than 400 state highway and bridge improvement projects across Wisconsin. Of those, more than 100 projects are located in WisDOT's Northwest Region, which had about 185 crashes in work zones during each of the past five years. Download the WisDOT Northwest Region work zone safety fact sheet.
“There's no question that drivers need to be attentive and adhere to speed limits in work zones as the crash data backs it up," said Patrick Vander Sanden, executive director of the Wisconsin County Highway Association. “Speed limits are reduced in work zones for a reason – to protect road crews and motorists alike. Slowing down can make all the difference."
Jason Ivers, the project manager for Black River Falls-based Hoffman Construction, the prime contractor on the I-94 project, couldn't agree more.
“We are doing our part in helping to build safe roads to carry traffic, but motorists also have a role and need to remember that those of us behind the barrels and barricades are sons, brothers, husbands and fathers who want to get home to their families," he said.
The May 28 event held at the Wisconsin State Patrol - Eau Claire Post continues WisDOT's season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. WisDOT engages with Wisconsin County Highway Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others in the transportation industry to promote safe driving in work zones.
Help keep construction crews and drivers safe in Wisconsin work zones:
- Follow posted speed limits. Please be patient and courteous to other drivers.
- Leave the phone alone. Texting while driving is illegal in Wisconsin and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones. State law also prohibits use of a hand-held mobile device in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights.
- Give space to emergency responders and roadside workers. Wisconsin's Move Over Law now applies to maintenance operations, emergency response units and disabled vehicles.
- Visit WisDOT's work zone safety webpage for more tips and information.
For more information, contact:
WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-3581,
opa.exec@dot.wi.gov