Rivers Rising, Highway 33 West Of Portage Expected To Close

(Portage) About 150 guard members with the Wisconsin National Guard continue to support sandbagging operations in Columbia County in anticipation of possible flooding of the Interstate near Portage. They are constructing a 4000-foot barrier at Interstate-90/94 in the vicinity of Highway 33. It will take about 24-thousand sandbags to build the barrier.

Lane closures are anticipated over the weekend on sections of the interstates through Dane and Columbia counties as water levels gradually rise in the area. Motorists should be alert for crews and equipment and proceed with caution through all work zones.

High traffic volumes occur in the northbound interstate lanes on Friday afternoon and evening. Peak traffic volumes on the southbound interstate lanes occur on Sunday afternoon and evening. Delays are anticipated, and drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes.

Water is expected to crest over the next couple days at the interchange near Portage, which may require lane closures. The closure of Highway 33, west of Portage, between Interstate-90/94 and Interstate-39 is also expected this weekend. Many county and local roadways are also closed due to flooding.

Badger fans heading to Camp Randall for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) 11am kickoff are strongly encouraged to plan ahead. The city of Madison is also experiencing road closures on the isthmus due to flooding. Travelers are encouraged to use alternate routes or to stay after the game to allow heavy traffic to clear. Visit www.cityofmadison.com/flooding for the latest list of impacts.

Currently, major flooding is occurring along the Baraboo and Kickapoo Rivers. Minor to moderate flooding is reported elsewhere including the Fox, Rock and Pecatonica Rivers. The Baraboo River crested early yesterday (Thursday) in Sauk County at Reedsburg and crested overnight in Rock Springs. The Baraboo River is expected to go up another two or three feet over the weekend at the city of Baraboo.

A donations center is open in Sauk County at the First Presbyterian Church [at 148 North Park Street] in Reedsburg. The center is accepting donations of small goods such as food, personal hygiene items, and school supplies but not clothing. If you have been impacted by flooding and in need of donated items, please enter on the Park Street entrance.

The Greater Sauk County Community Foundation is accepting donation at https://www.greatersaukecountycf.org. The center hours are Friday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

 

Photo of the Baraboo river flooding in Rock Springs Wi around the post office September 2018 by Matthew Caylor