February 5, 2024

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson promised a lot of work coming down the pike when he spoke with WTBA and its members at last month’s Contractor-Engineer Conference.

Thursday’s release of the secretary’s latest report to the Transportation Projects Commission on Major and Southeast Mega projects reflects that, especially when it comes to a huge project in Milwaukee.

Thompson wrote that WisDOT expects to receive an Environmental Impact Statement and Record of decision – two final hurdles to clear – on the I-94 East-West Corridor study sometime this month.  The Department would then be able to finalize designs on expanding the 3 ½-mile stretch running past American Family Field from six to eight lanes.  A project schedule will be released once the EIS and ROD are filed.

Meanwhile, the SE Mega program came in $6.1 million less than estimated thanks to crews completing the final leg of the Zoo Interchange Project.  Michels Road & Stone and many other WTBA member companies were prime and/or sub contractors on the work.

Thompson also reports the nine Major projects currently in progress came in slightly over last August’s estimate (0.3%) due to design and quantity adjustments specifically on I-41 in Brown County and US-51 in Dane County.

“The department remains committed to delivering Major and SE Mega projects in a cost-effective and responsible manner to help ensure a safe and efficient transportation system for all of Wisconsin,” Thompson said.

The secretary says studies to convert US 18/151 from Verona to Dodgeville and US 151 between Columbus and Waupun to freeways are beginning since the TPC approved moving forward with both in December.