Archives for November 2025

Replacing four bridges along I-94 in Jefferson County could prevent devastating flooding that closed the freeway for several weeks.

WisDOT plans to use the Design Build method on the Crawfish and Rock River bridges with Requests for Qualification (RFQ) opening next Friday, Nov. 14.

The project will involve replacing a total of four structures (two at each river crossing), raising them to surpass the 100-year flood event level. Historic floods in 2008 led to a full westbound shutdown of I-94 for two weeks at the bridges.

The scope of work may also involve soil improvements and a retaining wall addition. You can view the project’s preliminary plans HERE.

The winning firm must demonstrate how it will maintain traffic throughout the construction process while ideally saving taxpayer dollars and time. SOQs will likely be due in January and WisDOT aims to award the project in June 2026.

The Crawfish/Rock River bridges project is one of six in the initial Design-Build Pilot program.

WTBA’s Elise Nelson and Jodi Jensen testified Oct. 28 and 29 in support of a bill that would launch a permanent Design-Build program. Committees in the Senate and Assembly will vote on the bill next week.

An in-depth dive into the latest federal rule changes, state environmental and regulatory challenges, expert analysis on what Tuesday night’s elections on the east coast could mean in Wisconsin moving forward, a look at a new WTBA regulatory tracking webpage, and much more.

The WTBA Environmental Committee packed plenty into its biannual meeting Wednesday in Madison.

The group heard from ARTBA’s VP of Regulatory Affairs Prianka Sharma, who covered topics such as Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and NEPA rules, several pending Congressional bills with construction-related implications, and particulate matter 2.5 reviews.

WisDOT’s Jeremy Ashauer covered various endangered species in Wisconsin, Trans 401, and updates to ECIP forms, which the department is seeking contractor feedback on.

Contract Lobbyist Eric Petersen shared insights into the political climate both looking at the previous night’s election wins for Democrats in places such as New York City and Virginia, as well as how the 2026 races for governor and control of the Legislature are shaping up in Wisconsin.

The Environmental Committee is chaired by Jim Mertes of the Walbec Group and includes about two-dozen members from across the industry.  WTBA General Counsel Jodi Jensen oversees the group.

Jensen detailed a new webpage on the WTBA site where she will update members on regulations and rules she continually tracks.

The committee’s next meeting is set for May 2026.

The USDOT is providing some clarity on its abrupt change to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program this fall.

The department posted an FAQ list in late-October, nearly a month after issuing an interim final rule that rescinded the DBE program nationwide.

Per ARTBA, the FAQs notably state:

• For a contract advertised but not yet let, the state DOT must amend the advertisement to remove the DBE contract goal.
• For projects let but not yet awarded, the state DOT must change the goal to zero. The agency does not need to readvertise the project, but may rebid it if required under state law.
• Contracts let and executed prior to Oct. 3 need not be modified, but DBE participation cannot be counted toward a contract or program goal until completion of the DBE reevaluation process in that jurisdiction.

The rule change ordered states to recertify all DBEs without the presumption of race- or sex-based disadvantages. Instead, DBEs will need to individually submit narratives detailing their case.

The federal government’s rule blocks states from applying DBE goals to any federally funded projects until the recertification process is complete.

WisDOT has removed all DBE program goals from its upcoming November and December2025 lets. The state DOT says it is in the process of creating a recertification plan and will share details this fall or winter.

Meanwhile, ARTBA also compiled and submitted public comments on the rule change Monday. The comments mainly seek further clarification on questions such as compliance on multi-year projects, avoiding delays to project awards, and improving outreach and coordination with the industry.

You can read ARTBA’s full comments HERE.

WTBA members have the opportunity to help address industry concerns surrounding utility conflicts and delays by participating in an important Utility Coordination Workshop next month.

WTBA is accepting a limited number of contractor applicants (35 max) for the WisDOT-sponsored workshop set for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 in Wisconsin Dells. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and includes food and beverages.

Topics will include utility locating, contract document communication, utilizing the Z component of utility information, and effective communication during construction. Participants will come from across the industry, ranging from contractors and engineers to locators and utilities themselves.

WisDOT intends to use ideas and information that come from the interactive workshop to develop new systems and strategies in the future.

Those interested in attending must apply ASAP through WTBA by filling out THIS form no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.

You can also contact Lane Kimble with questions.

Accepted attendees will receive further information about the conference and lodging via email the week of Nov. 17.