For the Wausau Times

MARATHON COUNTY – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has partnered with the Marathon County Highway Department and Granite Peak Ski Hill to give motorists a heads up when snow making operations at Granite Peak in the Wausau area may impact area roads, including creating the potential for icy conditions. 

When unfavorable weather conditions exist during snow making, WisDOT will activate a message stating “SNOW MAKING OPERATIONS ONGOING / ICY CONDITIONS POSSIBLE X MILES AHEAD” on four Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) located at:  WIS 29 eastbound, US 51 southbound, WIS 29 westbound, and I-39/US 51 northbound.

“We are delighted with this new partnership to utilize the resources available at WisDOT to help inform motorists of what to expect on the road ahead,” said Ken Wickham, WisDOT Division of Transportation System Development North Central Region director. 

 “The coordination with WisDOT has been fluid and simple. Working with the team to alert the local and thru traffic in the region of Granite Peak’s snow making program via the electronic message boards is a practice I hope will continue for years to come,” stated Granite Peak General Manager and Marketing Director Greg Fisher. 

“As a reminder, it is illegal to follow a snowplow closer than 200 feet upon any highway having the posted speed limit of more than 35 mph if the snowplow is engaged in snow and ice removal,” a joint release added.

For information on winter road conditions and incidents that may affect highway travel, motorists can access the state’s 511 travel information system by visiting 511wi.gov.