Archives for January 2025

Smart Work Zone training session coming March 13 in Waukesha

January 10, 2025 by Lane Kimble

“Smart” things dominate our daily lives, from phones and watches to TVs and even cars.

Perhaps smart work zones will become commonplace and save more lives in the years to come.

WisDOT’s Bureau of Traffic Operations is holding a smart work zone training sessionThursday, March 13, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the SE Region Headquarters in Waukesha.

Instructors will cover the basics form what a smart work zone is comprised of and how to set one up.

A smart work zone uses technology to actively adapt to changing traffic and construction situations. The tech can toggle different speed limits, warn drivers of backups ahead of time, encourage them to merge at ideal points, and more.

Registration for the training is free but you must contact Emily Silverson with WisDOT to attend. Click HERE for the informational flyer.

Blood drive set for Tuesday to honor WTBA member killed in Pewaukee crash

January 10, 2025 by Lane Kimble

A blood drive next week will honor a WTBA member killed in a crash last year.

Donations given at the Versiti Blood Center in Waukesha and other Versiti clinics (see details below) on Tuesday, Jan. 14 will honor Priciliano “Nano” Alvarez.

Alvarez, who worked for Arrow-Crete Construction, died when a driver crashed through his work zone along Capitol Drive near Pewaukee Road on June 26, 2024.

The crash killed a driver in another car and seriously injured another worker.

Arrow-Crete Vice President Ann Neshek says she felt helpless after Alvarez’s death and figured the only thing she could do to help was to donate blood. Neshek did so a few days later.

The National Association of Women in Construction later encouraged Neshek to organize a blood drive in Alvarez’s honor. She intends to make the event a yearly tradition and honor all workers killed in work zone incidents.

You can register to donate via THIS link.

IMPORTANT: All donors must enter #NAWIC in the appointment notes section to ensure it counts toward the total number of donations that day.

Those interested in giving blood on Jan. 14 but are not in the Waukesha area can also donate at Versiti centers in places such as La Crosse, Marshfield, and West Bend.

Please make sure to type #NAWIC in your appointment notes when registering.

WisDOT issues RFQ for I-90/94 Design Build bridge project

January 9, 2025 by Lane Kimble

Contractors hoping to win the next big Design-Build project in Wisconsin will want to get organized immediately.

WisDOT issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) this week for the I-90/94 interchange bridge work near Tomah.

The so-called “Cranberry Interchange” project will involve replacing two bridges carrying eastbound I-94 over I-90. WisDOT will award the project through low-bid Design-Build, estimating the work to cost between $8-10 million.

The project location features critical traffic flow in three directions with seasonal traffic peaks, the Department’s briefing document notes. Nearby wetlands and cranberry bogs may also require working with permitting agencies.

WisDOT hopes the Design-Build process will lead to better coordination and reduce the time it takes to finish the project.

Statements of Qualification are due no later than Feb. 19, 2025.

WisDOT will also hold a virtual project kickoff meetingMonday, Jan. 13 from 9-10 a.m.

Click HERE for full project information.

KEY DATES

Jan. 13: Project kickoff meeting (Teams)

Jan. 31: Questions due via the Request for Clarification Form (File download)

Feb. 19: Statements of Qualification due

Feds award $25 million for National Avenue reconstruction in Milwaukee

January 9, 2025 by Lane Kimble

MILWAUKEE — A more than two-mile stretch of busy and historically dangerous roadway in Milwaukee will get major infrastructure upgrades thanks to a $25 million federal grant.

WisDOT plans to use the grant to rebuild and improve National Avenue on the city’s south side between 1st and 39th streets, which runs underneath I-43 and crosses several major intersections. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced the award Thursday.

Work will include replacing the pavement, reducing travel lanes, adding separated bike lanes, better lighting, and safer elevated sidewalks.

“Whether you’re taking a bus, driving, biking, or walking, every Wisconsinite deserves to feel safe on our roads,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to support this project that will make National Avenue safer for Wisconsin families and support businesses up and down this critical corridor on Milwaukee’s South Side.”

WTBA supported WisDOT’s grant application in 2023 and 2024, joining other industry leaders and lawmakers in submitting letters of recommendation for the project.

Construction is tentatively set for 2026 and 2027, according to Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works.