86 Traffic Stops for Disregarding Closure of Wisconsin Highway 144

Washington County Sheriff reports numerous warnings issued as motorists ignore construction zone restrictions

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a construction barrier or traffic cone lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the dangers of ignoring road closures in work zones.Disregard for road closures in active construction zones puts workers, drivers, and emergency responders at serious risk.West Bend Today

In the three weeks since a $2.9 million resurfacing project began on Wisconsin Highway 144 in Washington County, the Sheriff's Office has issued 86 verbal and written warnings to drivers who have disregarded the road closure and entered the active construction zone. An additional 36 stops were made in the neighboring Town of Barton for the same violation.

Why it matters

Construction zones pose significant safety risks, both for workers on site and for drivers who choose to bypass closures and enter hazardous areas. Law enforcement is taking these violations seriously in order to prevent injuries and maintain a safe environment during the project, which is expected to continue through May.

The details

The resurfacing project on WIS 144, between Skyline Drive in West Bend and the Washington/Sheboygan County line, began on March 30. According to data compiled by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, between March 30 and April 15, there were 86 traffic stops in the Town of Farmington where drivers received verbal or written warnings for traveling through the closed construction zone. An additional 36 stops were made in the neighboring Town of Barton for the same violation. No citations were issued specifically for the road closure, but some stops did result in other violations where a citation was given.

  • The $2.9 million resurfacing project on WIS 144 began the week of March 30, 2026.
  • Between March 30 and April 15 (noon), there were 86 traffic stops in the Town of Farmington for drivers disregarding the road closure.
  • An additional 36 traffic stops were made in the Town of Barton for the same violation during this time period.
  • The project is expected to continue through the month of May 2026.

The players

Martin Schulteis

Washington County Sheriff.

Robert G. Stuesser

Undersheriff and Captain of Operations for the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

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What they’re saying

“We have certainly had an increased presence on STH 144 during the project. We have done that because construction zones are established to protect both the workers on site and the traveling public. When a roadway is closed, and in this case to thru traffic, it is not a suggestion—it is a necessary safety measure based on active hazards such as heavy equipment, reduced visibility, altered traffic patterns, or unsafe road conditions.”

— Martin Schulteis, Washington County Sheriff

What’s next

The Washington County Sheriff's Office plans to continue its enforcement presence in the construction zone and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with the road closure and prevent further safety risks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of respecting road closures in active construction zones, which are put in place to protect both workers and drivers. Law enforcement is taking a firm stance on these violations in order to maintain a safe environment during the project's duration.