Crews with both Waukesha County Public Works and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are putting in extra muscle and effort to make sure flooding concerns
Team members from both municipal groups set up pumps and manual flood relief efforts to keep Highway 83 open Wednesday despite threats of both rainwater and melted snow flooding the street.
“With the rain that’s predicted for tonight, I bet we’ll be back tomorrow morning,” said Waukesha County Highway Patrol Superintendent Hans Gudyeron.
County highway crews are aware of the roads that are more susceptible to flooding. With the forecasted rains and milder temperatures expected this week, it’s a recipe for more flooding.
“There’s low land areas, kettles, general poor drainage areas that we’re aware of,” said Gudyeron. “It’s why we’re here, to maintain the safe roads.”
The flooding now is minor, but he does have concerns as cars speed through the standing water while crews are working.
“We’ve got [the road] well-signed each way, letting drivers know what exactly is going on,” he said. “Sometimes traffic won’t slow down and it can cause hydroplaning and it can be a dangerous situation.”
A flood watch has been issued for Southeastern Wisconsin through Friday.