On Thursday June, 2 the Wisconsin Department of Transportation began installation of a high friction surface treatment on WIS 167 (Holy Hill Road) in Washington County. The approximate project limits are from Friess Lake Road to a half-mile east of Friess Lake Drive.

Crashes in that area are well above the statewide average. Contributing to some of the collisions are the sharp curves that are slick during rain and snow events. Adding the HFST to the two curves will increase traction for vehicles.

To increase safety, temporary portable rumble strips have been laid down to alert motorists they are entering a work zone. This is the first WisDOT Southeast Region improvement project to use these devices.

Ninety percent of the $124,000 project is paid for by the federal government, the remaining ten percent being paid for by the state. The project is funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program which focuses on low-cost improvements at sites that have experienced a high crash history.

HFST is a specially-engineered pavement overlay that has a rougher texture and greater surface area to provide additional friction.

The project is expected to be complete in less than one week depending on weather.