MADISON, Wis. — You know the bad joke about Wisconsin’s seasons? There are two: winter & construction. But what happens when they collide?
Late-season snow is not only a nuisance for drivers, but it can be a headache for contractors and construction workers.
“We had a lot of work start up in the last week or so,” explained Steven Theisen, Communications Manager for the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation. “But when contractors work on their schedules, they factor in weather days, similar to school districts.”
Theisen said Monday’s snow will likely cause a one-day construction pause, but that’s about it. Project timeline shifts are usually the result of larger, unforeseen challenges, like equipment breakdowns or lingering winter weather.
Click here for the latest forecast from Madison’s most accurate weather team
Hannah Mohelnitzky, Public Information Officer for Madison’s Engineering Division, said the same is true at the city level.
“When it comes to long-term snow or long-term cold, that’s when we see issues,” she explained, adding that Madison construction crews have stayed working for most of the winter and all of the pandemic.
“We’re very proud of our frontline workers,” she said.
Theisen also wanted to remind drivers to do their part and not forget their winter driving skills.
“Be alert in work zones, especially in inclement weather,” he said.
2021 is already a busy year for statewide construction. Theisen said work on the I-39/90 between Madison and Beloit should be finished by November, and work on the Beltline’s new flex lane should be completed by early next year.
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