State Patrol going 24 hours on I-41

Posted at 12:15 p.m. on July 20, 2017

The Brillion News

FOND DU LAC – State troopers traditionally turned over patrols to local police and county sheriff’s department in the wee hours of the morning, but that will change along the I-41 corridor.

The State Patrol’s Northeast Region Command announced 24-hour coverage of Interstate 41 in Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties beginning Saturday, July 22.

The new coverage will ensure dedicated troopers on I-41 between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The WSP previously patrolled I-41 overnight only during special enforcement initiatives or during high-priority events.

“We are excited about this opportunity to maintain a presence along the I-41 corridor at times that we historically had not previously provided,” said Capt. Ryan Chaffee, Northeast Region commander. “The average daily traffic numbers really drove this decision. The goal is not simply to arrest or ticket more drivers. This is about providing a valuable safety resource at all times on a very heavily traveled interstate.”

The Wisconsin State Patrol enforces traffic and criminal laws; helps motorists in need; inspects trucks, school buses and ambulances; and helps local law enforcement agencies with traffic safety, natural disasters and civil disturbances.