Lane Kimble

WisDOT finalizes Trans 401 updates

March 6, 2026 by Lane Kimble

WisDOT recently submitted its final Trans 401 rewrite to the state Legislature.

The rule–which was last changed in 2002–includes updates to ECIP reviews, Temporary Support Activity (TSA) sites (previously known as Selected Sites), and recycling materials, among others.

You can review the full rule HERE.

Some specific areas of interest for WTBA members include:

A prime contractor must submit the Erosion Control Implementation Plan (ECIP) to WisDOT which will review it for completeness before forwarding it to DNR. WisDOT added a requirement that its review be completed in two business days. The final rule includes a 14 -working-day review period for DNR. See Trans 401.11 (3).
WisDOT may allow ponds or areas of potential inundation on a TSA site. A requirement for a contractor to obtain an NR 343 pond permit was removed from the final rule. See Trans 401.07 (3) (c).
Industrial activity, including concrete or asphalt batch plants and processing material for recycling, may take place on a TSA site and must be approved through interdepartmental liaison procedures. See Trans 401.07 (2) (b).
A TSA site may be used for multiple WisDOT projects, and a TSA site may be transferred from one WisDOT project to another WisDOT project. See Trans 401.07 (3) (a), (b).
Processing of materials related to recycling may be done on a TSA site if the materials are incorporated back into the same project site. Additional permits may be required. If the materials will be used for another purpose, WisDOT approval is required. See Trans 401.07 (3) (d)

The update process began in spring 2024 when WisDOT contacted stakeholders, including WTBA, to better align Trans 401 with Department of Natural Resources oversight.

WTBA’s Matt Grove and Jodi Jensen participated in meetings and discussions on behalf of members. Parts of the final rule were revised in response to feedback provided by WTBA.

A state Supreme Court ruling last year and a pending court case will likely prevent the Legislature from blocking any sort of agency rulemaking moving forward, which means the Trans 401 rewrite will be effective on or around June 1, 2026.

Stating Their Case: Baas, Hahn meet with Duffy in D.C. to talk transportation funding

March 6, 2026 by Lane Kimble

WASHINGTON — Steve Baas has made this trip many times before.

Still, this year’s annual flight to Washington, D.C. early Wednesday morning carried some added weight for WTBA’s Executive Director, with a significant goal in mind and a big name to meet with.

“It is such a benefit for him to be here,” Baas said.

USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy spoke with Baas and other Wisconsin industry representatives during TDA’s two-day Fly-In event.

Baas got some one-on-one time with Duffy, who President Trump named as Transportation Secretary in early 2025. Baas stressed the importance of a “seamless” reauthorization for the five-year surface transportation bill. The bill expires in September.

“Secretary Duffy is not only looking out for the administration’s priorities, but he is also sensitive to Wisconsin’s interests,” Baas said, referencing Duffy’s eight years as a northern Wisconsin Congressman. “It makes for a great and productive partnership.”

There were plenty of partners on this trip to help make the case.

New WTBA Board President Mike Hahn and several other WTBA members joined Baas, WisDOT leadership, local government representatives, and business groups during the two days on Capitol Hill.

They went into Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation offices, including a meeting with Rep. Tony Wied (R-Green Bay) who serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We really offered a united message that highlighted the amazing projects and successes our members have produced thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over the last five years,” Baas said. “We now need a continued, consistent commitment from the federal government to see those successes grow.”

NEW PODCAST Annual Convention keynote speaker teaches ‘Extreme Ownership’

March 5, 2026 by Lane Kimble

If you’ve ever felt like the world is against you, nothing is going your way, and things are falling apart, Rob Jones would like a word or two.

Jones lost both his legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in 2010. It meant no more Marine Corps and–initially, he thought–no good reason to live.

Instead, Jones proceeded to win an Olympic medal, bike across the continental United States, and run 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days. And he’s just getting started.

The ‘Road Trippin’ podcast Episode 10: On Your Own is available NOW on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your pods by searching “WTBA.”

Jones now tours the world with Echelon Front, showing people how the laws of combat and the leadership skills associated with them can (and should) apply to all of our lives.

“Things happen to people. You can’t change what’s happened in the past,” Jones said. “What you can do is take extreme ownership of your own life.”

He brought that mindset and advice to WTBA’s 2026 Annual Convention as the opening morning’s keynote speaker. Jones’ 75-minute presentation was interactive and inspiring, producing tears, laughter, and a lasting impression.

WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas talked with Jones shortly after he came off the stage for our latest “Road Trippin’ with WTBA” podcast.

“Leadership is the core principle, it’s the most effective thing we can do,” Jones said. “That is what helps us make our lives the best lives we can have. It’s what allows us to help other people so that their lives can be as good as they can possibly be.”

Special thanks to Rob for making the extra time for the podcast. Give it a listen and consider checking out the free and paid resources Echelon Front has to offer.

US 51 reconstruction may include shift to accommodate DCRA runway extension

March 4, 2026 by Lane Kimble

One of Wisconsin’s newest Major Program projects could include a design change that would shift a U.S. highway and extend an airport runway 800 feet.

WisDOT is proposing the changes as part of its US 51 North project, which the Transportation Projects Commission approved in Dec. 2024.

Dane County Regional Airport wants to extend one of its runways to better accommodate large commercial planes as well as allow F-35 fighter jets stationed there to take off and land over more industrial parts of Madison.

DCRA contacted WisDOT about shifting US 51 to allow for the extension and, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the Department is incorporating that into its $174 million reconstruction of US 51.

The runway extension itself would cost around $25 million.

Construction on both projects is slated to begin in 2029.