Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

08/26/2026

Heading into Labor Day weekend, WisDOT and the Wisconsin State Patrol want you to have your ride home lined up before you need one.

Impaired driving caused 7,000 crashes in Wisconsin last year and accounts for one‑third of all traffic deaths. An OWI conviction can cost up to $10,000 — but the bigger risk is never making it home.

Before you head out for any celebration:
🚗 Line up a sober designated driver or schedule a rideshare
🚌 Use public transit or a taxi if available
🔑 Take the keys from a friend who shouldn’t be driving
📞 See an impaired driver on the road? Call 911

08/25/2026

The City of Ripon has been awarded $1.61 million through Wisconsin’s new Local Small Structure Improvement Program to replace the aging Pacific Street bridge over Silver Creek — currently the city’s lowest‑rated bridge and in severe structural decline.

This funding covers 90% of eligible project costs, helping Ripon address critical safety needs while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. The bridge is one of 101 projects funded statewide as part of nearly $30 million in new, one-time state infrastructure investment.

The project is expected to move forward in 2027 or 2028, with the city also evaluating nearby roadway and utility needs to ensure long‑term improvements along the corridor.

Stronger bridges mean safer travel, better connections, and a more resilient community.

08/24/2026

Nominations are open for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. This contest celebrates the incredible range of products made right here in our state.

Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry supports nearly 1 in 6 jobs and relies on a strong transportation network to move goods safely and efficiently across the state and beyond. When manufacturing and transportation work together, our economy grows stronger.

Nominate a Wisconsin made product that deserves the spotlight today!

08/20/2026

🚧 Congratulations WisDOT!

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has awarded the I‑894 resurfacing project in Milwaukee County a regional America’s Transportation Award for Best Use of Technology & Innovation: Medium Project.

This busy stretch of I‑894 needed major pavement improvement, and WisDOT delivered using an innovative approach: directional weekend closures that allowed crews to work safely, efficiently, and around the clock. The team also used the echelon paving technique— running multiple paving machines side‑by‑side—to expedite paving and create a continuous smooth ride.

The result?
✔️ Faster project timeline
✔️ Safer working conditions
✔️ Lower labor costs
✔️ Savings for taxpayers

08/19/2026

Happy National Aviation Day!

Each year on August 19, we celebrate the birthday of Orville Wright and recognize the importance of aviation in our daily lives. Here in Wisconsin, aviation is a vital part of our economy and a key link in the transportation network that keeps our communities connected.

From commercial airports to general aviation, aviation helps move people, goods, and opportunity across our state.

08/19/2026

Remember: Everyone has a role in keeping students safe as they travel to and from school.

BACK TO SCHOOL: We’re teaming up with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for School Transportation Safety Week to share important safety tips for students and drivers as we approach the school year. Here’s some reminders to keep children safe in school zones:

Pedestrians:
🚸Walk on sidewalks and crosswalks
🚸Follow instructions of crossing guards
🚸Look both ways before crossing roads

Drivers:
🚸Yield to pedestrians
🚸Give bicyclists space
🚸Slow down and watch for children

Read more: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/081726-school-safety.aspx

08/18/2026

A new chapter for the Blatnik Bridge is taking shape.

The new bridge connecting Superior and Duluth will feature a tied-arch design, four travel lanes, and a 12-foot shared-use path for walkers and bicyclists — with scenic overlooks along the way.

The selected design, unveiled last week, is expected to save approximately $400 million compared with the cable-stayed option previously under consideration. The new bridge is anticipated to open by October 2031.

08/17/2026

The WisDOT is asking residents to share their input on potential improvements at the intersection of County Road J and State Highway 32 in Sheboygan Falls — a location with a long history of serious crashes and fatalities.

A public meeting will be held Tuesday, August 18 at 4 p.m. at Howards Grove Village Hall. Community voices are essential as the state considers options like a single‑lane roundabout or traffic signals to make this intersection safer for everyone.

08/14/2026

2026 is the Year of the Great American Road Trip — and Wisconsin has some of the most iconic routes in the country. Travel Wisconsin’s Road Trip to Wonder campaign highlights everything from the Apostle Islands to Taliesin to Lambeau Field and beyond.

But none of these experiences happen without the backbone of our state: nearly 116,000 miles of roadways that connect communities, support local businesses, and keep Wisconsin moving.

Strong roads make a strong Wisconsin. Every mile matters.

08/13/2026

Big news for Milwaukee County Transit System! MCTS has secured a $14.7 million BUILD grant to modernize its aging maintenance facilities.

The upgrades include new bus lifts, replacement fuel tanks, and major lighting improvements that could reduce energy use by up to 50%. These investments will help keep buses running safely, efficiently, and sustainably for years to come.