Illegal activities on WIS 65 create safety concerns

July 24, 2012

Construction continues on WIS 65 in St. Croix County, but not without issues of traveler safety. Recently, traffic signs have been disappearing, barricades are being moved and travelers are repositioning tubular markers to drive through construction zones. All of these activities are illegal and could cost taxpayers money, but most importantly, they create issues of safety.

Captain Jeff Klatt of the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office reminds travelers that state statutes 86.06 (2) and 346.42 incur fines and jail time. Statute 86.06 states that any person who, without lawful authority, removes, takes down, alters the position of, or moves barriers is subject to a fine of $263.50, 10 to 60 days in jail, or both. The fine for violating statute 346.42, a law that states no person may intentionally damage, deface, move or obstruct an official traffic sign, is $326.50. Stolen signs may also end up costing taxpayers money, as the contractors are not required to pay under no fault or unforeseen circumstances.

David Koepp, the project leader for the WIS 65 reconstruction, asks that the public "stays out of areas that are closed and to bear with us through construction." He reminds us that there is a reason for traffic control measures and that safety is number one. Taking, moving or altering traffic signs, creates a dangerous scenario. Taking time to move signs and barricades back into place also delays work and progress. If anyone sees someone moving or taking the signs, please contact the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department or the Wisconsin State Patrol.

For more information, contact:
Communications Manager Chris Ouellette, WisDOT NW Region
(715) 833-9814, chris.ouellette@dot.wi.gov