Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes I-43 Near Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay, Wisconsin

A multi-vehicle collision disrupted morning commuter traffic on Interstate 43 South approaching the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge in Green Bay on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred at 7:44 a.m., prompted authorities to close all southbound lanes starting at Atkinson Drive. The Brown County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with the Green Bay Police Department, who reported one person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The crash's impact on traffic flow was significant, with backups extending from the Atkinson Drive exit nearly to the I-41 interchange. Emergency response operations also necessitated limited access to I-43 North in the vicinity. Officials estimated cleanup operations would take approximately one hour, though the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Location and Infrastructure - The Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge, formerly known as the Tower Drive Bridge, is a vital transportation artery spanning the Fox River in Green Bay. The affected section of I-43 serves as a crucial corridor for both local commuter traffic and regional transportation, connecting Green Bay to Milwaukee. The Atkinson Drive interchange experiences heavy morning traffic volumes as it provides access to Green Bay's east side business district. This segment of I-43 features multiple lanes in each direction and includes merge areas for vehicles entering and exiting the highway, particularly near the bridge approach where changing traffic patterns can create challenging driving conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Wisconsin state law, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents must report crashes resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Victims have three years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims in Wisconsin. Insurance considerations may include liability coverage, which is mandatory in Wisconsin with minimum requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Potential compensation could cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Multiple-vehicle collisions often involve complex liability determinations, potentially requiring thorough investigation of contributing factors and proportional responsibility among involved parties.

Related Resources:

• Brown County Sheriff's Office: Emergency Response and Accident Investigation
• Green Bay Police Department: Traffic Division
• Wisconsin DOT: Northeast Region Traffic Operations
• Wisconsin State Patrol: District 3 Headquarters
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Crash Reports
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: Auto Insurance Resources
• Brown County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• WisDOT: Road Conditions and Traffic Updates (511WI)