Appleton/Green Bay area shoppers encouraged to try alternate routes

November 21, 2008

Motorists should be patient and avoid backups on US 41 and WIS 172

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region at Green Bay is reminding motorists to avoid backups on area freeways where motorists are exiting to shopping areas. Local traffic in both the Fox Valley and Green Bay metro areas should consider using the local street system to access major shopping areas. Hunters and holiday travelers should also give themselves more time when traveling, especially in the event of inclement weather.

Deer hunters:

• Deer hunters can expect to encounter heavy northbound traffic on most highways in the region and heavy southbound traffic on these routes from noon Sunday, Nov. 23 to late that night. This will continue during the Thanksgiving holiday, with Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday being busy days.

Fox Valley:

• There are four exits along US 41 that can be used for access to the Fox River Mall shopping area. Planning alternate routes helps avoid backups on US 41 during the holiday shopping season.
• Going from south to north, the main exits include:
  1. County BB west to Casaloma Drive, then north
  2. College Avenue (County CA) west, then enter on Mall Drive (or farther west on Casaloma Drive)
  3. Wisconsin Avenue west, then turn left into mall
  4. WIS 15 west to Casaloma Drive, then south

For instance, motorists traveling north on US 41 can exit on County BB or WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue), thus avoiding a potentially frustrating and time-consuming back up that occurs at the WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue exit. Conversely, motorists traveling south on US 41 should consider exiting at WIS 15 (Northland Avenue) or WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue, again avoiding another potentially frustrating and time-consuming back up at the WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue) exit. Using these alternate routes will provide Fox Valley shoppers with a safer, less stressful holiday experience.

Green Bay area:

• In the Green Bay area, motorists are advised to avoid backups on WIS 172 and US 41. There are many alternate routes throughout the area. It is often quicker and safer to simply move on to the next exit. Local traffic in both metro areas should consider using the local street system to access the area.
• Shoppers headed for the Bay Park Square Mall area could encounter heavy traffic on the Pilgrim Way exit ramp. WisDOT encourages drivers to use other routes, especially on evenings and weekends.
• Traffic westbound on WIS 172 should consider alternate routes through the city on local streets or continue west to US 41, then south to the Oneida Street exit, or north to the Lombardi Street exit.
• Traffic northbound on US 41 encountering any backups at Oneida Street can consider traveling north to Lombardi Avenue east, then south on Oneida Street. The village of Ashwaubenon has erected signs providing additional guidance on southbound Oneida Street.
• Northbound US 41 motorists from the Fox Valley area can avoid most potential problems by using the Ashland Avenue exit and choosing any of the next four traffic signals to gain access to the Bay Port Mall area.
• Traffic southbound on US 41 heading into the Green Bay area might consider using the Lombardi Avenue exit and continuing easterly to Oneida Street.

According to Mike Berg, WisDOT Northeast Regional Director, “We want motorists to have a safe holiday. I’d like them to consider an alternate route when moving from US 41 or WIS 172 into a shopping area. Typically, a route that might seem a bit longer could actually take less time and be a lot less stressful.”

Law enforcement agencies will also be keeping a close eye on traffic. Captain Dave Pichette, Wisconsin State Patrol, offered these safety tips to motorists that might get caught in a back up on US 41. He said, “The best thing for motorists to do when they spot a back up at their exit is to simply drive on to the next exit.” Pichette also had a tip for drivers passing through this area. “Be alert and move to the center or left lane early.”

Berg concluded, “Most importantly, motorists should give themselves extra time to get to their destinations, remain calm and remember to be alert, patient, and courteous. Slow down, buckle up, and drive sober. We want everyone to enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.”

For more information, contact:
Kris Schuller, US 41 Project Communications Manager
(920) 492-5743, kris.schuller@dot.state.wi.us