I-41 Multi-Vehicle Crash and Fire Blocks Highway Near Wrightstown, Wisconsin

he early hours of New Year's Day 2025 saw a significant traffic incident on Interstate 41 near Wrightstown, Wisconsin, causing major disruptions to holiday travel. At approximately 2:57 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to a crash scene on I-41 South at the Wrightstown Road intersection. The incident resulted in a complete closure of the highway in both directions. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) coordinated the emergency response, which involved managing both a vehicle collision and subsequent fire. The situation was successfully contained and cleared by 4:42 a.m., with all lanes reopened to traffic. The nearly two-hour closure impacted early morning New Year's travel, though quick response times helped minimize extended disruption.

Location and Infrastructure - Interstate 41 at Wrightstown Road serves as a crucial transportation artery in Brown County, connecting Green Bay to the Fox Cities metropolitan area. This segment of I-41 typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during holiday periods. The Wrightstown Road interchange provides essential access to the Village of Wrightstown and surrounding rural communities. The area features standard interstate safety infrastructure including guard rails, reflective markers, and wide shoulders. The roadway maintains a 70 mph speed limit with reduced speeds through the interchange area.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system where parties less than 51% at fault may seek compensation. Accident victims have three years from the incident date to file personal injury claims under Wisconsin Statute § 893.54. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Insurance requirements in Wisconsin mandate minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Multi-vehicle collisions often involve complex liability determinations requiring thorough investigation of contributing factors. An experienced Wrightstown personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Brown County Sheriff's Department: Emergency Response
• Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region
• WisDOT Traffic Management Center
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
• Brown County Victim/Witness Services
• Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles Crash Reporting