Wisconsin Department of Transportation

WisDOT staff joined state and local leaders and community partners earlier today in Milwaukee to celebrate the launch of Wisconsin’s new Driver Education Grant Program. The initiative provides grants for driver education courses to low-income students. The program will reduce barriers for students to get needed training for becoming a licensed driver in Wisconsin. Teens who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch can apply at wisconsindmv.gov/degrant to have their classroom and/or behind-the-wheel driver training paid for by the state. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gf2cJj2n

WORKING FOR YOU IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY: A resurfacing project on WIS 76 in the town of Clayton was recently completed to provide motorists with a smoother and safer driving surface. Crews milled and resurfaced one mile of the road from north of County Road II to south of Shady Lane. They also replaced deteriorated curb and guardrail and cleaned culverts. The project not only reduced the roughness of the roadway but also extended the life of the existing pavement, which decreases maintenance costs. Culvert cleaning reduces the chance of water flowing onto the road. #WorkingForYou

Happy Anniversary to the Wisconsin State Patrol! As a premier law enforcement agency and division of WisDOT, the sworn officers and support staff help fulfill our mission of providing leadership in developing and operating a safe and efficient transportation system.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Want to make an impact on accessibility in Wisconsin? You’re invited to review and share feedback on the agency’s 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. The plan shares information on our efforts to continually improve accessibility throughout the state highway system including roadside facilities, navigability within public rights of way and public input processes. Share your thoughts by Sept. 28: https://lnkd.in/gVZMpxzU

PROJECT AWARDED: The Zoo Interchange North Leg project in Milwaukee County received a regional America’s Transportation Award for safety from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) this week. The project added freeway lanes and expanded shoulders along I-41, from Swan Boulevard to Burleigh Street, in Wauwatosa to help reduce traffic congestion and crash rates. Additionally, the project upgraded adjacent roadways to aid traffic mitigation and create safety benefits for bicyclists and pedestrians. Within the last year, the Zoo Interchange experienced a 50% decrease in crash rates – including a 60% reduction in rear-end crashes – while helping travelers reach their destination safely and more efficiently. https://lnkd.in/gNCUeBPH

WisDOT staff recently had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology and innovation in asphalt paving during a visit from the Federal Highway Administration’s Mobile Asphalt Technology Center (MATC). The MATC is a traveling pavement lab, equipped with the latest tools and resources to help pavement professionals better understand their challenges and opportunities on a localized level. MATC staff used pavement from a nearby project in equipment demonstrations. The MATC visit is part of WisDOT’s ongoing commitment in delivering safe, durable, and cost-effective roadways throughout Wisconsin. 

WORKING FOR YOU IN IRON COUNTY: A culvert-replacement project continues on US 51 near the town of Mercer to improve safety and efficiency of the road. Since detour options are sparce, crews are replacing culverts half at a time. This allows for single-lane closures with flagging operations. If the culvert is actively conveying water, crews will temporarily pump or re-route the water. "Constructing culverts half at a time, when we’re able, is critical to reducing delays for the traveling public," North Central Region Project Manager Michelle said. Crews are also milling and overlaying asphalt, installing centerline rumble strips, and upgrading pavement markings. The project is scheduled for completion in September. https://lnkd.in/gp2WsXDi #WorkingForYou

WORKING FOR YOU IN CHIPPEWA COUNTY: A resurfacing project is underway on WIS 64 near Cornell to improve the driving surface and longevity of the road. Crews are using hot-in-place recycling (HIR) to repair a nine-mile stretch of WIS 64 between WIS 27 and County H. HIR consists of a train of equipment heating and milling pavement, mixing it with emulsion, rejuvenating agents and additives, relaying it on the road and compacting it. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-September. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjrsXiS4 #WorkingForYou

Governor Tony Evers and WisDOT today announced the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will provide more than $177 million in additional funding for 76 different projects within 16 large urban areas across Wisconsin. WisDOT will administer the funding to communities through the Surface Transportation Program (STP). https://lnkd.in/gX3H_eY8

The 49th annual Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety was held this week in Wisconsin Dells. Traffic safety professionals, advocates, and community members gathered to discuss the prevention of fatal crashes and serious injuries on Wisconsin roads.   Presenters looked ahead to the latest technologies and best practices to protect motorists. Educational sessions and demonstrations covered a variety of topics, including law enforcement strategies, crash response and traffic incident management, engineering solutions, and data analysis. Read more on the conference: https://lnkd.in/gP7WTJ3K