September 14, 2023
ONE STEP AWAY: Senate, Assembly unanimously approve utility bill, now onto governor
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Championship athletes will often tell you it’s the journey – not the destination – that’s the ultimate prize. After years of fits and starts on a particularly important piece of legislation for…
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September 14, 2023
“They have to get on the machines”: Brooks Tractor’s Demo Day provides techie test drives
By Lane Kimble
MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. -- Contractors from across southeastern Wisconsin got the chance to test drive new tech this week, thanks to a WTBA Associate member. Tuesday, Brooks Tractor’s Mount Pleasant location hosted a Demo Day…
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September 14, 2023
WTBA of Tomorrow Board gets the scoop on Lannon Stone’s history
By Lane Kimble
LANNON, Wis. -- There’s no way to see everything that goes on within a 500-acre quarry during an hour-long tour. That said, Lannon Stone employees got pretty close. Wednesday, the aggregate producer hosted the WTBA…
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September 13, 2023
Leadership gained, lessons learned at ARTBA’s National Convention
By Lane Kimble
LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Making a 2,000-mile trip west is a big commitment. WTBA found that commitment to be well worthwhile this week. At the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) National Convention in…
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September 8, 2023
Former Packer named special guest for WTBA 2024 Annual Convention
By Lane Kimble
Of course, you watched him at Camp Randall and Lambeau Field on weekends. Sure, you can hear him on sports talk radio and during Badgers football games. Now, you have the chance to see, hear…
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September 8, 2023
Studies: Sooner better than later to research VMTs for gas tax replacement
By Lane Kimble
Can state governments fairly and safely track how many miles you drive in an effort to supplement – and, eventually, replace – the gas tax? It’s a question we can’t wait too long to answer,…
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September 8, 2023
Not just highways: Southeast Region reminds drivers work zones can appear anywhere
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- There is a vast array of freeways, highways, roads, streets, and thoroughfares in Milwaukee’s 96 square miles. Any one of those can feature a work zone at just about any time of year.…
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September 8, 2023
Associate Council mixes functionality with fun during meeting at Highlands Sportsmen’s Club
By Lane Kimble
CASCADE, Wis. -- Sustainability and growth. Those were the two themes that permeated a productive WTBA Associate Council meeting this week. The Council is working hard to assemble a fun, fulfilling, and informative Fall Retreat…
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September 7, 2023
Matheson to be new WisDOT DTSD Deputy Administrator
By Lane Kimble
Someone with contracting, consulting, and longtime WisDOT experience will take on a new role helping to oversee the state highway system next week. WisDOT announced Todd Matheson as the new Deputy Administrator of Regional Operations…
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September 1, 2023
“Thank you for fixing these roads”: Farmer grateful for state’s significant transportation investments
By Lane Kimble
MONROE, Wis. -- Many of the roads around Wisconsin’s farms are filled with potholes, crumbling pavement, and provide precious few feet for tractors and trucks to maneuver. That will soon start to change. “It is…
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August 28, 2023
“All-hands-on-deck effort”: WisDOT, WTBA members stress work zone safety at two events
By Lane Kimble
“In Gottes Namen.” It’s a phrase Jim Griesbach picked up from his grandfather – an old German farmer – who uttered those words every time he entered a field. “Every day, when I walk through…
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August 23, 2023
Article: Extensive lobbying efforts help secure significant boost in transportation funding
By Lane Kimble
Reliability is key in transportation construction, especially when it comes to reliable funding and work. Every contractor knows that. Over the winter, spring, and early summer, WTBA and other groups ensured lawmakers knew it, too,…
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August 23, 2023
With future still undecided, Sen. Stroebel pushes back against possible I-794 demolition
By Lane Kimble
Calling it a “solution in search of a problem,” State Sen. Duey Stroebel urged WisDOT to take a measured approach as it considers what to do with I-794 in Milwaukee. The Department is gathering input…
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August 21, 2023
States submit federal grant application for Blatnik Bridge reconstruction work
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Repairing and replacing the aging Blatnik Bridge in Superior requires a lot of money (an estimated $1.8 billion by 2028) and commitment. This week, Wisconsin and Minnesota took the crucial next step…
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August 18, 2023
“Flexing” its muscles, unique Wisconsin project wins regional transportation award
By Lane Kimble
The Wisconsin DOT pitched an innovative and significant construction project in Dane County as a good way to improve safety and reduce congestion. More than a year after completion, those notions are proving true. This…
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August 18, 2023
Political Paving: State lawmaker gets first-hand experience with Northeast Asphalt
By Lane Kimble
HORTONVILLE, Wis. -- She could’ve simply showed up, walked around, and posed for a few pictures. Instead – Rachael Cabral-Guevara put on a safety vest and eagerly climbed into the driver’s seat of an asphalt…
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August 17, 2023
Feds release updated construction guidance on Build America, Buy America
By Lane Kimble
New guidance issued this week should clear up confusion – and many concerns – over Build America, Buy America’s (BABA) impact on transportation projects. ARTBA has been pushing the White House’s Made in America Office…
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August 16, 2023
Annual ARTBA report shows 7% of Wisconsin bridges in poor condition
By Lane Kimble
Governor Evers’ commitment to “fixing the damn roads” must remain a priority moving forward, especially when it comes to bridges. Wisconsin actually slid two slots worse, to 23rd in the nation, for percentage of structurally…
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August 11, 2023
Fed changes to prevailing wage rule could impact transportation builders
By Lane Kimble
Wisconsin got rid of its prevailing wage in 2017, but changes at the federal level this week could still impact contractors working on certain projects in the Badger state. Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labor…
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August 10, 2023
November statewide utility conference registration now open
By Lane Kimble
Utilities impact pretty much every transportation project in Wisconsin, so it’s important to understand how to navigate and work with them. Registration is now open for WisDOT’s statewide Utility Coordination Conference, set for Nov. 6-7,…
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August 3, 2023
New study offers analysis, suggested improvements to Wisconsin’s Design-Build program
By Lane Kimble
A new study may help contractors and WisDOT find ways to improve Wisconsin’s Design-Build pilot program. The Department and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) paid a team of researchers from UW-Milwaukee for the study. Lawmakers authorized the…
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August 3, 2023
Milwaukee preparing to host MAASTO Convention Aug. 14-16
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- Some of the best and brightest transportation industry leaders will gather in Milwaukee this month. The Mid-American Association of State Transportation Officials (MAASTO) is holding its 2023 convention in the Cream City. CLICK…
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August 2, 2023
WTBA, coalition partners push feds to help fund Blatnik Bridge replacement
By Lane Kimble
Nearly $2 billion is a lot of money to dedicate to one project. But when that project provides an essential link between Wisconsin and Minnesota – and to the largest and busiest port on the…
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August 2, 2023
Safer Skies: Central Wisconsin Airport project takes flight thanks to WTBA members
By Lane Kimble
MOSINEE, Wis. -- Most job sites that Nate Swanke drives onto don’t require special authorized clearance through securely locked gates, but this one does for good reason. “It’s definitely weird the first time you come…
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August 1, 2023
WTBA Board unanimously approves five new members
By Lane Kimble
Every single WTBA member – large or small – makes the Association stronger. Adding several all at once bolsters the group in an impressive way. Tuesday, the WTBA Board unanimously approved five new members. Some joined…
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July 25, 2023
Sheet Piling Services finishes replacing 115-year-old bridge ahead of schedule
By Lane Kimble
JIM FALLS, Wis. -- What once was the oldest is now the newest in Wisconsin, thanks to WTBA member Sheet Piling Services LLC. Tuesday, with Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT, folks in Chippewa County cut…
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July 20, 2023
Keeping Work Zone Awareness top-of-mind, WisDOT holds Northeast Region event
By Lane Kimble
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Drivers passing construction workers along Highway 172 in Brown County this summer may not recognize the men and women working behind the cones. However, Jon Leach certainly does. “It’s very much…
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July 19, 2023
Michigan House approves work zone speed cameras; concept still prohibited in Wisconsin
By Lane Kimble
LANSING, Mich. -- One of Wisconsin’s neighbors is a step closer to potentially creating safer work zones. Late last month, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a pair of bills which would allow the state…
Read MoreJuly 19, 2023
WisDOT holding two public meetings on I-794’s future this week
By Lane Kimble
Repair, replace, or remove? Crews will do one of those things to I-794 in Milwaukee in the future, but which one is still very much up in the air. This week, WisDOT will hold public…
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July 14, 2023
Annual Golf Outing draws big crowd, lots of laughs, great memories
By Lane Kimble
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- “I don’t let birdies and pars get in the way of having a good time.” - Angelo Spagnolo Sure, the guy who said that infamously shot a 66 on the 17th…
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July 6, 2023
Signed, sealed, delivered: Governor signs 2023-25 state budget with nearly $1B in new Transportation funding
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- From significant investments in long-awaited major projects to a new and sustainable funding mechanism, there is a lot to like when it comes to transportation in the new state budget. Wednesday, Gov.…
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June 23, 2023
WisDOT adds I-894 projects to July letting
By Lane Kimble
This week, WisDOT added a 10th proposal to its slate for the July 11 letting. The proposal includes concrete and asphalt paving, milling and grading, replacing the Highway 36 (Loomis Road) bridge and more along…
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June 23, 2023
Michels goes Mega: Reconstruction expanding I-43 near Grafton
By Lane Kimble
GRAFTON, Wis. -- The people in charge of Michels Road & Stone’s mega project along I-43 in Ozaukee County will tell you: it’s not a particularly complicated job, but it sure is challenging. “It’s just…
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June 22, 2023
Governor signs ARIP, Shared Revenue bills
By Lane Kimble
A busy week of bill signing for Gov. Tony Evers could mean a busier future for the transportation construction industry. Evers signed the bipartisan Shared Revenue and Agriculture Road Improvement Program (ARIP) bills into law…
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June 21, 2023
A safety crisis: TRIP report shows increase in roadway deaths
By Lane Kimble
Encourage and demand safer driving, build safer roads, and make safer cars. Those are the top recommendations from an eye-opening report out this week. “America faces a roadway safety crisis,” TRIP’s June 2023 report concludes. TRIP…
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June 20, 2023
Surveyor, 42, killed while working on Highway 60 near Slinger
By Lane Kimble
A U.S. Army veteran and WTBA member employee who survived tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan tragically died while on a work site this month. Christopher O’Neal, 42, of Kapur and Associates, was hit…
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June 16, 2023
WTBA welcomes 3 new members
By Lane Kimble
At its bimonthly meeting last week, the WTBA Board of Directors unanimously approved the addition of three companies as association members. WTBA extends a warm welcome to each company and its employees. We encourage existing…
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June 16, 2023
FEEDBACK NEEDED: WisDOT survey to help set 2024-26 DBE goal
By Lane Kimble
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is working to set its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for the next three years. You can help shape that goal and what the program looks like moving forward. WisDOT…
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June 16, 2023
ARIP bill approved, headed to governor for signature
By Lane Kimble
Farmers and agricultural suppliers in Wisconsin could soon see the countless roads they depend on get some much needed improvements. The state Senate and Assembly both approved SB247 on Wednesday, sending the bill to Gov.…
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June 16, 2023
Budget Breakdown: JFC votes to make “historic investments” in Transportation budget
By Lane Kimble
Good things tend to come to those who wait and – in the transportation world – that wait appears to be well worth it. Initially scheduled to debate the Transportation budget five days earlier, the…
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June 16, 2023
Young Gun: Rep. Dallman, 31, fighting for rural roads during second elected term
By Lane Kimble
When State Rep. Alex Dallman talks about his childhood career goals, he’s speaking of relatively recent history. At just 31 years old, Dallman is halfway through his second term in state office. “I told myself…
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June 9, 2023
Sen. Wimberger hopeful budget includes significant bridge project
By Lane Kimble
State Senator Eric Wimberger knows a heck of a lot about a proposed bridge project in his home district. “The Southern Bridge in De Pere, that is my baby,” Wimberger told WTBA. “Hopefully we get…
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June 9, 2023
Vos, Republicans announce Shared Revenue deal; Transportation budget debate delayed
By Lane Kimble
Finding out what funding will look like for road repairs, rehab, and reconstruction over the next two years will have to wait another week. With the Joint Finance Committee delaying debate Thursday afternoon on the…
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June 7, 2023
FARM FOCUS: WTBA Board gets firsthand look at dairy’s link to transportation during tour
By Lane Kimble
EVANSVILLE, Wis. -- You don’t need to wait long to spot a tanker truck hauling milk out of Larson Acres farm in Evansville. Five of them – totaling about 25,000 gallons – make the 16-mile…
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June 6, 2023
WTBA Board gets update on agriculture road improvement program as Senate approves bill
By Lane Kimble
Spending $150 million won’t fix every rural road near farms across Wisconsin – far from it. But the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Executive Director of Government Relations believes it’s a good place to start. “Once our…
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June 2, 2023
“The need is great”: Speed networking event connects contractors with job seekers
By Lane Kimble
Transportation contractors often tell Lorie Thompson the same thing: They can teach a person the skills to do the job, but they can’t teach them to show up and be passionate about the work. That’s…
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May 26, 2023
WisDOT officially names Hoelker BPD director
By Lane Kimble
A longtime WisDOT staffer – whose work will directly impact WTBA members – can now drop the “interim” name from his title. This week, the Department announced Michael Hoelker as director of the Bureau of…
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May 26, 2023
WTBA proposes changes to shared revenue bill to protect aggregate producers
By Lane Kimble
On the surface, a proposal to offer Wisconsin’s counties and municipalities more money in “shared revenue” – which the state Assembly approved last week – would lead to better roads, community services, and public safety.…
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May 25, 2023
Sen. Stroebel on transportation: “The vitality of our state… Roads are a huge part of that”
By Lane Kimble
State Senator Duey Stroebel isn’t afraid to share his opinion – and he has a lot to say. Whether it’s his reason for running for office in 2011 (“Maybe we just need a little more…
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May 23, 2023
Utility conflict nearly causes “catastrophic” situation for JPS crews
By Lane Kimble
BELLEVILLE -- There are utility delays that cause wasted time, money, and headaches. And then there are the kind which can nearly cause catastrophe. A prime example happened this spring to WTBA member James Peterson…
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