NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Transportation are reminding motorists they could be cited for non-local or through traffic in the U.S. 141 work zone in Niagara.

Disregarding detour and road closed signage puts lives at risk, according to a statement from WisDOT Project Manager Andrew Fulcer.

“We understand the frustration with having to travel the length of the detour as the alternate route and we are trying to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public, especially the residents of Niagara, as much as possible,” Fulcer said.

But the detours are in place for the protection of workers, property owners and the public, Fulcer added.

U.S. 141 in Niagara, between Betters Court and Fourth Street is closed to through traffic. Local traffic as defined by the NPD are residents of the city of Niagara or anyone with a destination within the work zone.

During the first stage of the project, the highway is reduced to one lane for the purpose of allowing emergency vehicles through the work zone as well as any city resident traveling to the north side of the city or accessing local businesses.

Those who disregard posted signage will be cited for failing to obey a traffic sign or signal in a work area and fined $136.60, according to Niagara Police Chief Angela Moreau.