FIX THE ROADS: Multiple repair projects in La Crosse causing traffic backups

If you’re driving through certain parts of La Crosse, chances are you’ll be slowed by a construction within a few minutes.

The downtown area is under repair, along with Losey Boulevard — two of the city’s most traveled areas.

On the Losey Boulevard project, drivers are banned from turning left onto State Road, which La Crosse Police Sergeant Tom Walsh said isn’t always being followed.

“It’s clearly posted there,” Walsh said. “When we have the people who do try to turn, it causes significant backup. People can’t get through the light.”

As far as the downtown project, which is supposed to end this week, try for different routes.

“With Second Street shut down, and Third Street down to one lane, it’s going to put pressure on other roads in town,” Walsh said. “Look for alternate routes to get around some of this. We understand it’s an inconvenience.”

Police are also monitoring a fairly new law, banning drivers from having their cellphones in their hand while going through a construction zone, except for reporting emergencies.

Walsh said it comes down to safety, especially for the workers on the streets.