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I-94 near Johnson Creek reopens

By Shelly Birkelo ( Contact )   June 19, 2008 - 2:32 p.m.

MADISON--Tthe 28-mile portion of I-94 near Johnson Creek that has been closed since last week was reopened at 2:15 p.m. today by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Gov. Jim Doyle announced.

The reopening is made possible by the construction of crossovers near the Rock and Crawfish Rivers, allowing for one lane of westbound traffic and one lane of eastbound traffic along a five-mile stretch of freeway between Johnson Creek and Lake Mills. The bi-directional traffic lanes will be separated by median wands.

The crossover provision will provide a more direct alternative than the current detour down I-43 to Beloit and back north to Madison using I-90/39.

Speeds will be reduced to 55 mph throughout the corridor, with further reductions to 45 mph at the crossovers. Enhanced enforcement by the Wisconsin State Patrol will be in place to ensure compliance. Motorists traveling along the corridor should slow down, pay attention and expect traffic delays during peak travel periods.

WisDOT expects the crossovers to be in use until flood waters recede and the westbound bridges are deemed safe for travel.




reader COMMENTS (6)
miltonalum
Jun 20, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.
Suggest removal

there were no fines, this was a time/material, get it done as fast as you can, job. there was no deadline, just an open checkbook and a chance for whatever company to look good and do it fast.

BostonBill
Jun 19, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
Suggest removal

I'm sure the crossover is of the highest quality. Just kidding. If it gets the traffic moving again until the water recedes and the regular lanes open again, it will have served its purpose. I just hope the ground underneath it isn't too saturated to support the loads. Kudos to those who have worked hard to git 'er done.

leesbunny
Jun 19, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.
Suggest removal

The construction crew worked 24 hours for 3 days straight to get that done by noon today. If they were late, there were fines. I'm sure the State paid greatly for union workers to complete that.

janesvillean
Jun 19, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
Suggest removal

Well, it's just a bit of gravel and asphalt in the median. Real construction takes a bit more care (and lasts longer).

michellemt640
Jun 19, 2008 at 5:39 p.m.
Suggest removal

Wow, they built that crossover quick. Wish they could finish other road construction at that pace!

prevention
Jun 19, 2008 at 5:21 p.m.
Suggest removal

As we are in the midst of paying steep prices for gas, I pray that this alternative poses a great advantage to those of you that utilize this major thoroughfare!

Keep safe during this craziness that Mother Nature has dumped onto us!

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