January 30, 2026
FHWA opts to remove manufactured products waiver from Buy America law, maintaining Biden-era change
By Lane Kimble
The Federal Highway Administration will keep the Manufactured Products Final Rule in place, removing a decades-old waiver despite pushback from industry groups. FHWA this week published a new Q&A document on the final rule and…
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January 29, 2026
New ECIP templates for use effective immediately
By Lane Kimble
WisDOT has developed and published new Environmental Control Implementation Plan (ECIP) templates for use on construction projects. The new forms are broken down into an initial submittal form and five individual category forms. The new…
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January 28, 2026
Walbec Group wins major NAPA award for U.P. paving job
By Lane Kimble
No good deed goes unpunished, but it can lead to some great prestige. Payne+Dolan’s (Walbec Group) paving job on US 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was so well done, highway crews apparently said it’s a…
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January 26, 2026
Data and Deadlines: WisDOT updates contractors on safety-related compliance
By Lane Kimble
WisDOT is reminding contractors of two important compliance dates for safety-related equipment while also seeking contractor help to collect information on crashes. Barricades As of July 1, 2025, all Type III barricades must be Manual…
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January 23, 2026
Newly projected $2.4 billion General Fund surplus could boost transportation funding
By Lane Kimble
A better than expected forecast may mean a somewhat easier time for lawmakers to close a more than $1 billion transportation funding shortfall in the next state budget. Late last week, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau…
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January 16, 2026
Elkhorn high school student who took Work Zone Safe despite already having license wins monthly $500 scholarship
By Lane Kimble
Jonah Wehmeier and his mom, Jenny, couldn’t avoid it on their way up to Wisconsin Dells from Elkhorn Thursday afternoon. They drove by the multi-year Wisconsin River Bridge replacement on I-39/90/94, which slows traffic from…
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January 16, 2026
More than 800 gather for unifying 2026 Contractor-Engineer Conference in Wisconsin Dells
By Lane Kimble
Editor's note: All presenters' slide decks are available via THIS link. WISCONSIN DELLS -- When you pack more than 800 people into a room, you’re bound to have a multitude of differing opinions, backgrounds, and…
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January 16, 2026
WTBA members sweep construction awards at CE banquet
By Lane Kimble
Completing a project on time and on budget is always the goal, but award winners need to accomplish more than that. A handful of notable projects across Wisconsin were also innovative and complex, while balancing…
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January 14, 2026
Slush Fund: First-ever WTBA PAC Ice Fishing excursion produces plenty of pike, great camaraderie despite warm weather conditions
By Lane Kimble
LAKE TOMAHAWK, Wis. -- If people attending Thursday’s WTBA PAC Ice Fishing Excursion expected a relaxing day on the ice, Phil Lazarski had news for them. “It’s work,” Lazarski said as he took a moment…
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January 14, 2026
From the Heart: Arrow-Crete VP donates blood during second annual drive honoring fallen workers
By Lane Kimble
WAUKESHA -- Her official record shows nearly four gallons donated. Ann Neshek is convinced it’s much more than that, having given blood for more than 30 years at various clinics. But the pint she donated…
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December 19, 2025
First-ever Utility Coordination Workshop gets industry, consultants, utilities thinking outside the box
By Lane Kimble
WISCONSIN DELLS -- It had every appearance of a traditional industry conference. A large ballroom with a stage, podium, and projector up front; coffee and water stations to the back. But there was something different…
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December 18, 2025
Significant workforce gap remains despite well paying construction-related apprenticeships, WPF report finds
By Lane Kimble
The three most popular and well-paying apprenticeship pathways in Wisconsin all have something in common: they’re tied to the construction industry. Still, the demand for skilled workers is outpacing the state’s programs. The Wisconsin Policy…
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December 16, 2025
Parisi testifies on behalf of industry in support of EPA’s WOTUS rule change
By Lane Kimble
A WTBA member hopes the perspective he offered this week will help the federal government streamline construction permitting while still protecting the environment. Jeff Parisi, the Director of Business Development for the Walbec Group, testified…
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December 12, 2025
TPC unanimously recommends studies for possible expansion and reconstruction on I-94 in Waukesha Co., US-53 near Eau Claire
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- Two critical freeway corridors on opposite sides of the state could get major expansion or reconstruction work in the coming years, improving safety and reliability. The Transportation Projects Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to…
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December 11, 2025
Third-annual WTBA PAC Pheasant Hunt hits the mark at Milford Hills
By Lane Kimble
The sound of pheasant wings flapping drew Mike Hahn’s attention, pivoting to his left as he stood along the eastern edge of the Wisconsin Field. The next sound was the thump of a shotgun blast.…
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December 10, 2025
Yellow is the new black(out): Wisconsin unveils Transportation Fund-generating license plate options
By Lane Kimble
When you’re hangin' out... down the street... doing the same old thing… you did last week… you just might notice a blast from the past driving by (or from the 1970s, to be specific). Wisconsin…
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December 5, 2025
WTBA kicks off Christmas season with jovial Holiday Party
By Lane Kimble
The WTBA Holiday Party brought a little warmth to an otherwise frigid early December evening. More than 100 people filled a ballroom Thursday night in Madison for the party. The crowd enjoyed food, beverages, prizes,…
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December 4, 2025
WTBA adds 10 new members to kick off FY2026
By Lane Kimble
What a way to start the new fiscal year! The WTBA Board of Directors unanimously approved 10 new members during its bimonthly meeting Thursday. The additions marked a nearly 4% increase in overall membership for…
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December 3, 2025
Forward Focus: Annual WAPA conference places emphasis on learning, growth
By Lane Kimble
Once the millions of tons of pavement are laid and striped, the orange barrels are mostly gone, and the detours largely released for the season, it’d be easy to go into hibernation mode for a…
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November 21, 2025
Senate approves Design-Build bill, sends to Assembly for possible January vote
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…
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November 21, 2025
WTBA of Tomorrow selects 2026 scholarship winners, meets with WisDOT
By Lane Kimble
Three young men and one woman working toward future careers in the transportation construction industry learned this week they’d get a significant financial boost. The WTBA of Tomorrow selected the association's annual scholarship winners Monday…
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November 20, 2025
State awards two communities Transportation Economic Assistance grants to pay for construction, spark growth
By Lane Kimble
Two eastern Wisconsin communities will see improved roads and, with them, more jobs thanks to state grants. Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announced a more than $700,000 Transportation Economic Assistance grant for Saukville. The community in…
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November 18, 2025
EV charging grants resume with 26 new awards, slowly pumping cash into Transportation Fund
By Lane Kimble
A new batch of businesses--mainly featuring gas stations and hotels--will receive a combined $14 million in federal funding to help expand Wisconsin’s electric vehicle charging network. The governor's office announced the latest NEVI awards Monday.…
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November 14, 2025
‘It’s going to take all of us’: Baas helps detail transportation funding campaign at TDA Annual Meeting
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- Whether he realized it or not, WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas found symmetry between a pop culture reference and the need to solve a more than $1 billion transportation funding shortfall. “When you…
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November 14, 2025
Evers receives ‘Transportation Service Award’
By Lane Kimble
It’s easy to make a promise on the campaign trail. It’s a lot harder to actually deliver on them. Then-candidate Tony Evers famously quipped Wisconsin would “fix the damn roads” under his watch while running for…
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November 13, 2025
Assembly, Senate committees unanimously approve permanent Design-Build program
By Lane Kimble
A permanent Design-Build program in Wisconsin is within reach after a pair of votes this week. Both the state Senate and Assembly transportation committees unanimously approved a bill that would dedicate $300 million for Design-Build…
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November 12, 2025
State DWD salutes two WTBA members for veteran support
By Lane Kimble
Two WTBA members received state recognition on a very fitting day this week. The Department of Workforce Development named MCC, Inc. and Truck Country/McCoy Construction & Forestry “Vets Ready Employers” on Tuesday, which was Veterans…
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November 7, 2025
WisDOT opening RFQ for I-94 bridge Design-Build project Nov. 14
By Lane Kimble
Replacing four bridges along I-94 in Jefferson County could prevent devastating flooding that closed the freeway for several weeks. WisDOT plans to use the Design Build method on the Crawfish and Rock River bridges with…
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November 6, 2025
WTBA Environmental Committee ponders state, federal regulations during November meeting
By Lane Kimble
An in-depth dive into the latest federal rule changes, state environmental and regulatory challenges, expert analysis on what Tuesday night’s elections on the east coast could mean in Wisconsin moving forward, a look at a…
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November 6, 2025
USDOT provides clarity on DBE interim final rule; ARTBA files comments
By Lane Kimble
The USDOT is providing some clarity on its abrupt change to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program this fall. The department posted an FAQ list in late-October, nearly a month after issuing an interim final rule…
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November 6, 2025
TIGHT DEADLINE: Apply now to participate in WisDOT’s Utility Coordination Workshop
By Lane Kimble
WTBA members have the opportunity to help address industry concerns surrounding utility conflicts and delays by participating in an important Utility Coordination Workshop next month. WTBA is accepting a limited number of contractor applicants (35…
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November 4, 2025
DWD biennial report shows significant gains in youth, registered apprenticeships
By Lane Kimble
More students and skilled adults are entering the trades thanks, in part, to record setting apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin. The state Department of Workforce Development released its biennial report for 2023-25 this week. The report…
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November 1, 2025
WTBA’s Nelson, Jensen testify in support of Design Build bill during dual committee hearings
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- The state of Wisconsin may soon add another tool in the overall construction industry toolbox thanks to years of work and collaboration between WTBA, WisDOT, and partners. A bill that would launch a…
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October 29, 2025
Injured Arrow-Crete worker shares heartbreaking story, emotional plea for work zone safety on WTMJ radio
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- Five surgeries down with more to come, fixing broken ankles, dislocated knees, a fractured hip, and road rash. Those are just the physical scars that will stay with Kyle Perkins for years. Then,…
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October 24, 2025
Feelin’ the Love: Packers jersey helps American Heart Association raise $19,000 for worksite CPR training
By Lane Kimble
As soon as the signed number 10 jersey came out, the auction paddles started flying. All you need is Love to open your heart–and your pocketbook–after all. More than 40 bids came in on the…
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October 22, 2025
WILL threatens Illinois with potential lawsuit over ongoing DBE program goals
By Lane Kimble
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) intends to sue Illinois and its governor unless they drop upcoming DBE goals. As of Thursday, dozens of projects set for a Nov. 7 letting in Illinois…
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October 17, 2025
What a Day for Clays! Double tiebreaker calls for card draws during annual Fall Shoot
By Lane Kimble
JOHNSON CREEK -- Not only did a deck of playing cards have to come out to break multiple ties on Thursday – there was a tiebreaker for a tiebreaker. Talk about an intense WTBA Fall…
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October 15, 2025
Something in the water in Milton… District earns fourth Work Zone Safe Wisconsin scholarship
By Lane Kimble
Kids attending school in Milton, Wis. make up only about fourth-tenths of 1% of all K-12 students statewide. Milton can proudly say its students taking driver’s education make up 25% of all Work Zone Safe…
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October 11, 2025
WTBA’s Grove talks work zone safety during UWM transportation symposium
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- A safer transportation system for all starts with a safer work zone for contractors. Advancements in technology, design and collaboration took center stage during UW-Milwaukee’s Southeast Wisconsin Transportation Symposium late last week. WTBA…
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October 10, 2025
Blatnik Bridge meeting Oct. 20 set to detail progress, busy upcoming 2026
By Lane Kimble
The Blatnik Bridge replacement project will hit a lot of major milestones in the next year, most notably the start of construction. MnDOT and WisDOT plan to cover those facts and more during their next…
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October 10, 2025
Baas talks WTBA work zone efforts to national audience
By Lane Kimble
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to protecting construction workers and drivers. It’s why WTBA has invested in a “three-pronged approach,” which is getting some national attention this week. Executive Director Steve Baas detailed the association’s…
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October 8, 2025
HNTB cuts ribbon on new Madison office
By Lane Kimble
Engineering firm HNTB cut the ribbon on its new downtown Madison office this week. The company signed a lease in 2024 for the 15,000 sq.-ft. space in the U.S. Bank Plaza, which sits across the…
Read MoreOctober 7, 2025
WisDOT removing all DBE goals on October, November lets
By Lane Kimble
WisDOT will remove all Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals for the upcoming October 14 letting and beyond, for the foreseeable future. Wisconsin's October advertisement page still listed the goals as of Tuesday afternoon, however WisDOT…
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October 7, 2025
GREETINGS! WTBA adds Greenfield Contractors as newest member
By Lane Kimble
WTBA’s newest member provides a service that could come in handy, especially as the winter months approach. The Board of Directors unanimously approved Greenfield Contractors, LLC’s membership application during its bimonthly meeting Tuesday in Madison.…
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October 3, 2025
USDOT’s new DBE rule removes all race, sex-based presumptions; calls for full recertification
By Lane Kimble
Wisconsin may need to recertify all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) under a new rule the USDOT published Tuesday. The federal agency’s interim final rule on Sept. 30 essentially removes the automatic assumption that all DBEs…
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October 2, 2025
Federal government shutdown won’t impact most civil highway construction work
By Lane Kimble
The first federal government shutdown in nearly seven years grabbed headlines this week, but people who work in the transportation construction world shouldn’t see much of an impact with their jobs. The Highway Trust Fund’s…
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October 1, 2025
CBG golf outing raises $10,000 for veterans on glorious late-September afternoon
By Lane Kimble
Tuesday may have been the final golf outing of 2025 for many people. If that’s the case, it was a great day to enjoy a terrific course and support an incredible cause. The Construction Business…
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October 1, 2025
PODCAST: Life’s ‘Option C’ leads to rewarding career for NEA’s safety-minded area manager
By Lane Kimble
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Taylor Tauer’s Plan A was to be the next great quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Plan B was to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Marine…
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October 1, 2025
WisDOT: Waukesha County I-94 expansion highest ranked among potential major studies
By Lane Kimble
It appears likely the Wisconsin Transportation Projects Commission will have a new interstate expansion study to ponder when it meets in December. WisDOT confirmed to Waukesha County lawmakers this week it ranked widening and modernizing…
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September 26, 2025
Ready to Rise: Fall Meeting energizes WTBA members ahead of challenging future
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- The bitter cold, darkening skies, and howling snowstorms of winter will bring the 2025 construction season to an end all too soon. The industry’s work, however, is only beginning. “We do have big…
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