KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — With the potential for a big winter storm later this week, public works crews across Wisconsin are not wasting time getting prepared.
A storm coming during the height of the Christmas travel rush could create some unique challenges. The Kenosha County Public Works department said it expects having to plow I-94 when it will be filled with travelers who are making the drive from Milwaukee to Chicago and other southern destinations.
Clement Abongwa, the Kenosha County highway commissioner, said he’s encouraging people to avoid traveling if conditions are bad. He said he knows some people will still opt to drive, and urged them to be cautious.
“We encourage them to be cautious as you can. Drive slowly; give yourself enough time for your journey. Drive safe. Drive slower for the conditions,” Abongwa said.
The pending winter storm may also mean plow crews could be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas. While not ideal days for crews to work, Abongwa said he doesn’t anticipate it having a big impact.
“We generally try not to take vacation time during winter time because that is our most busy season, and because of the weather we are very cautious taking time off,” Abongwa said.
Andrew Burns is a plow driver for Kenosha County. Burns said he is already well aware that his Christmas plans may change as a result of the storm. While he admitted it’s a bit disappointing, he said he knows it is his job to keep the roads safe.
“We are already busy because of the holidays, but with what they say is coming, we just prepare and just keep going and going and going,” said Burns
While Abongwa said he is confident his crews will be able to tackle the storm, he said staffing overall at the highway department is down. Around the state, it has been difficult to find driver and public works employees to fill empty positions.