The Interstates are closed so what's the effects? (Baraboo, Portage: home, prices)

[JoshB]

Well folks Interstates 90/94/39 are closed from the 151 interchange up till Mauston for 90/94 and Portage for 39 Northbound. So what's happening. Highway 16 through Columbus, Fall River, Rio, Wyocena, is seeing a huge influx of traffic. Also highway 51 that runs right into the heart of Portage is still backed up about 9-11 miles south of town. To get to Baraboo from Portage one has to take Highway 16 to the Wisconsin Dells then hit 12 towards Baraboo through Lake Delton. Guess how long that takes to get to Baraboo? 3 hours! This is nuts, it may be good for business owners in Portage, but for us residents it's a royal pia. I just hope things get back to normal soon. Of course I have pictures. lol

Enjoy

Highway 51










Ever seen an empty interstate? It was eery though I felt weird seeing nothing for miles.

This is 90/94/39 heading southbound just south of Portage
Notice then first picture has a state patrol car patrolling an empty interstate



This is 90/94/39 Northbound

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

WOW, those are some amazing pictures.

What is the problem in your area? Please excuse my ignorance, I have't been watching the news today.

I recall during the hurricanes of 2004, we were given orders to be home off the roads by a certain hour, of course I was glued to the news and saw the tower cams the news channels have, showing pictures of a completely empty interstate. Here in the Orlando area, it was REALLY strange. Sort of the kind of shot they need to save for the next movie about some kind of apocolypse.

I hope you guys are OK up there. Eat some cheese for me.

[dreamhunter65]

Flooding hurting many, but that traffic yes a pain for locals but think of the truckers trying to get a load in on time so get back home spend time with their family's.

[JoshB]

Parts of Portage is now being evacuated by the Dells Ducks there is also the National Gaurd here. The flood waters keep going up around here. I've seen flooding but never anything this close to home. I tell you what, it makes me very nervous. You guys should check out all the flooding pictures for the Portage area. I'm not trying to advertise but here is the site to get there. www.wiscnews (broken link) dot com and click on the Portage paper. The pictures are beyond describable.

[dreamhunter65]

Hope water recedes soon to mch is just to much.

[ekg56]

My husband's meeting was cancelled in Baraboo and when I showed him these pictures he was glad.

[JoshB]

That's good they postponed them meetings ekg. Our area has been officially declared a disaster zone or whatever fancy word bush called it. It's bad, I got out more yesterday and was checking out a closed road and there was a DOT official who was a little understaffed, because we had many cars going down this flooded road and he could only stop so many. So I helped out with that moving barricades. I guess you can only do so much. I must have gave directions to 10-15 different people last night.

[uncleharley]

I understand that I90/94 will be closed until at least tuesday. It will be interesting to see what effects that has on the trucking industry and all the retail stores in the area.
uh

[JoshB]

That's a good question Harley. I think prices will go up for sure.

[Nelly Nomad]

I was traveling westbound on 94 earlier today. Had to exit at 83, of course. The surprising thing was, there was absolutely no backup. I expected a slowdown maybe 2-3 miles out but nothing. Sailed right off at the exit just like any other day.

I'm sure this being Sunday had something to do with it. Tomorrow will probably be a whole different story.