November 21, 2025

By Lane Kimble

During a floor session this week that lasted nearly 4 ½ hours, the state Senate’s vote on Design-Build legislation went by in an instant.

It took less than one minute to call up the bill for approval Tuesday afternoon, but the impacts of having it as a new tool at WisDOT’s disposal should last long into the future.

The Senate unanimously approved SB 461 by voice vote, meaning lawmakers simply needed to say “aye” instead of each registering a vote. The bill’s passage means it can now go to the state Assembly for final legislative approval, then on to Gov. Tony Evers to make it law.

The bill replaces the existing Design-Build pilot program–which is currently limited to six total projects–with permanent authority for WisDOT to use alternative delivery methods. It allows WisDOT to use Design-Build for up to $300 million in projects every two years.

It also includes annual cost index adjustments, simplifies rules for project selection and awards, and strengthens overall project oversight.

Efforts to create a permanent program go back at least seven years. In recent years, WTBA formed a dedicated subcommittee, and worked closely with consultant members, ACEC, and WisDOT to develop a Design-Build program that all parties can agree to.

The bill passed both Assembly and Senate transportation committees on unanimous votes in late October.

The full Assembly did not take up the bill as part of its lengthy floor session Wednesday, however it can do so during its next scheduled period in January.