Emergency measures slow traffic on U.S. Highway 53

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is advising motorists to use caution along U.S. Highway 53 in Douglas County, where severe tenting has occurred over the winter months.

The tenting has created rough bumps that can add wear and tear on a vehicle.

Until the highway can safely be driven at 65 mph, a temporary 55 mph speed zone has been established in both the north and southbound lanes of Highways 2/53 south to the Kent Road. In addition, rough road and message board signs have been put up in the area to warn motorists of the pavement issues.

The new speed limits will be enforced, said Paul Halverson, Douglas County highway commissioner.

Chris Ouellette, a spokeswoman for WisDOT, said the state approved an emergency contract to repair the road this summer. The project will be put to bid in July with plans to replace the pavement along that stretch of highway in August.

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