In what apparently is a first in Wisconsin history, part of an Interstate highway remains closed due to flooding concern. I-94 near Johnson Creek was shut down after Tuesday's rush hour when flood waters from the Rock River got to within six-inches of the road. It threatened to flood a bridge west of Highway 26. Jessica Iverson with Wisconsin Emergency Management says the river is expected to crest Friday so the situation is ever changing.
The westbound lanes are closed indefinitely. The eastbound lanes have higher elevations and are remaining open. Until the river recedes, they'll have a detour that runs from Highway 26 to Highway B to County Z to Highway 89 and back onto the interstate at Lake Mills. Iverson says it's approximately a nine mile detour.
Almost 34,000 drivers use the interstate at Johnson Creek each day.
UPDATE : Late Wednesday morning, the State Patrol announced officials have reopened the westbound lanes citing the threat has subsided. More rain is forecast within the next 24 hours though.
More information on highway closings is available at 800-762-9347 or at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Web site .