December 7, 2023
Done Deal: Governor signs utility bill into law
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- It took all of 60 seconds. But in that brief period of time – including a few short comments, the stroke of a pen, and some handshakes – WTBA members could finally…
Read MoreDecember 6, 2023
GALLERY: Big crowd celebrates 2023 at annual Holiday Party
By Lane Kimble
Between work, school, concerts, practices, and errands, there never seems to be enough time to actually enjoy the Christmas season. Don’t tell that to more than 100 WTBA members who gathered in Madison this week.…
Read MoreDecember 5, 2023
First-ever PAC Pheasant Hunt generates momentum for legislative efforts
By Lane Kimble
JOHNSON CREEK, Wis. -- You don’t need to break the bank in order to help WTBA maintain a strong presence representing transportation construction builders in the state Capitol. In fact, you don’t even need to…
Read MoreDecember 5, 2023
WTBA welcomes two new members
By Lane Kimble
It appears the WTBA will reach – and surpass – an ambitious goal President JR Ramthun set in back in February. Tuesday, the Board of Directors unanimously approved two new members to join the Association’s…
Read MoreDecember 4, 2023
Doubling Down: WI, MN apply for second $1 billion federal grant to replace Blatnik Bridge
By Lane Kimble
Wisconsin and Minnesota want to do everything possible to secure the money to begin work on a critical transportation project. Monday, Gov. Tony Evers announced the two states applied for a second federal grant to…
Read MoreDecember 4, 2023
Scholarship winners announced; videos and check presentations at C-E Conference
By Lane Kimble
The WTBA of Tomorrow Board had its work cut out for them. Scholarship applications started pouring in when the portal opened in September. By Thanksgiving, there were twice as many applicants as last year. This…
Read MoreNovember 17, 2023
AASHTO Board elects WisDOT’s Thompson as new president
By Lane Kimble
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Craig Thompson has repeatedly pushed for sustainable funding, safer roads, and a stronger workforce over the nearly five years since he became WisDOT Secretary. Now, he’ll have the chance to also advocate…
Read MoreNovember 17, 2023
“Externship Day” provides internal spark for hundreds of potential future workers
By Lane Kimble
COLOMA, Wis. -- They call it “The Arena” – a cavernous barn-like building with metal walls and dirt floors. This week, you could have also easily called it “The Playground.” “It’s great just to get…
Read MoreNovember 10, 2023
A ‘critical artery’ now complete: State cuts ribbon on massive Zoo Interchange project
By Lane Kimble
WAUWATOSA, Wis. -- With eight lanes of traffic flowing smoothly over his shoulder, Tony Straseske used a fitting noun to describe the Zoo Interchange project. “People have sacrificed a lot… to deliver this big animal,”…
Read MoreNovember 6, 2023
MCC, Inc. recognized as standout company for hiring, supporting veterans
By Lane Kimble
APPLETON, Wis. -- There’s a picture on the wall of MCC, Inc.’s conference room in Appleton that shows military service members posing in front of a cement mixer. It’s a small reminder of the major…
Read MoreNovember 3, 2023
WTBA members’ work crucial to making northeast Wisconsin corridor safer
By Lane Kimble
HORTONVILLE, Wis. -- There was almost a collective sigh of relief to go along with the applause at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Outagamie County late last week. For a long time, it seemed like…
Read MoreOctober 20, 2023
Retreating Forward: Associate Council Red Crown event inspires attendees to tackle workforce challenges head-on
By Lane Kimble
ARBOR VITAE, Wis. -- What is the single most important thing you did in the last year to make your team better? It’s a question Mike Carr encouraged WTBA Associate Council Fall Retreat attendees to…
Read MoreOctober 14, 2023
“Our strength is unity”: Fall Meeting draws large crowd, deeper understanding of industry
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- A celebration of tremendous accomplishments, a look at challenges that lie ahead, and the confidence in a united association to persevere in the long run. All of those themes played out Thursday…
Read MoreOctober 6, 2023
First Look: WisDOT, MnDOT present preferred alternative for $1.8B Blatnik Bridge replacement
By Lane Kimble
SUPERIOR, Wis. -- If you set aside the “no build” option (which would force a full closure by 2030), the four alternatives for replacing the Blatnik Bridge in Superior aren’t drastically different. “By and large,…
Read MoreOctober 5, 2023
New 1273 form and Davis-Bacon Act (prevailing wage) rules in effect this fall
By Lane Kimble
Changes to the law requiring prevailing wages on federally funded transportation projects go into effect this month – and with them comes an updated form contractors will need to be familiar with. FHWA’s new 1273…
Read MoreOctober 5, 2023
WTBA featured in national business magazine
By Lane Kimble
The work WTBA members do – building and maintaining the infrastructure that drives our economy forward – doesn’t just make people’s lives in Wisconsin better. The impacts extend well beyond our state’s borders. People all…
Read MoreOctober 2, 2023
Painting the ‘big picture’: WTBA’s legislative education program offers Assembly transportation chair site tour
By Lane Kimble
TOMAH, Wis. -- Tucked neatly into the scenic rolling hills and farmland in western Wisconsin, it’s easy to miss the Milestone Materials quarry if you’re not looking for it. That’s because parent company Mathy Construction…
Read MoreSeptember 26, 2023
FALL FELLOWSHIP: Sporting clays tournament draws big crowd, inspires new members
By Lane Kimble
CASCADE, Wis. -- Much like the construction season, some of the best attended and highly anticipated WTBA events thrive in good weather. Mother Nature obliged on Thursday, providing a great day for the Fall Sporting…
Read MoreSeptember 22, 2023
WisDOT cuts ribbon on Highway 12/18 & AB Interchange
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Traffic will begin flowing in a new, safer, and smoother way on Madison’s east side Friday. WisDOT, Dane County, the City of Madison, and the Ho-Chunk Nation joined prime contractor R.G. Huston…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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,…
Read MoreSeptember 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.…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreSeptember 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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,…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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,…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreAugust 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…
Read MoreJuly 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…
Read MoreJuly 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…
Read MoreJuly 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…
Read MoreJuly 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…
Read MoreJuly 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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