Date: 02/16/2023

Case: I-41 Southbound Traffic Crashes and Subsequent Closure

Authority: Sgt. Brad Rodich #417


On 02/16/2023 at approximately 1:30pm, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was notified of a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 41, south of Hwy 28. Sheriff’s deputies and Wisconsin State Patrol were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was determined that there were five separate multi-vehicle crashes on I-41 southbound between Hwy 28 and Cty Hwy D. Snowy conditions are believed to have been a major contributing factor, and some of the crashes were likely due to slowing and stopping traffic from the other crashes further south.

The scenes encompassed approximately 30 vehicles involved in the crashes, including three semis that left the roadway into the median and shoulder, resulting in full lane blockage. Many other vehicles were temporarily stuck between the accidents until enough vehicles could be cleared in order to re-route traffic northbound. Multiple individuals were assessed by rescue at the scene, however there were no reported serious injuries sustained amongst all crash scenes.

I-41 southbound was shut down at Hy 28 for approximately 7 hrs to facilitate the investigations and removal of vehicles. An official detour of Hwy 175 was established. As a result of the closure, a secondary cluster of accidents, including additional stuck semis, developed on Midland Dr in the Town of Wayne as drivers attempted to find their own alternate routes. No major injuries were reported at this scene either.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol were assisted by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Lomira Police Department, Allenton Fire, Kohlsville Fire, Kewaskum Fire, West Bend Fire, Theresa Fire and the Washington County Highway Department.