August 7, 2024
‘This is the foundation’: HTCP director briefs WTBA Board on critical industry certifications
By Lane Kimble
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- She jokingly calls herself a “basement dweller” – a nod to her classroom’s location in Ottensman Hall at UW-Platteville – but make no mistake: Jodi Pluemer and her small team’s work is…
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August 2, 2024
“Dedication shows through”: Lawmakers voice deep appreciation for road workers during sweltering Highway 73 tour
By Lane Kimble
GREEN LAKE, Wis. -- Just a few minutes standing near a milling machine churning old asphalt into a dump truck on a humid 90-degree morning was enough to give John Jagler an even deeper appreciation…
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August 1, 2024
WisDOT to seek federal approval for expanding 67 miles of I-39/90/94
By Lane Kimble
WisDOT appears ready to send a plan to expand a lengthy and crucial stretch of interstate to the feds for approval. This week, the Department held three public information meetings about its proposed I-39/90/94 expansion. …
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July 31, 2024
Blatnik Bridge field work beginning this month
By Lane Kimble
SUPERIOR, Wis. -- The most visually impressive work on the Blatnik Bridge won’t begin for another few years, but important steps to get to that point are beginning now. MnDOT announced Monday it intends to…
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July 26, 2024
Portage Co. on Patrol: Sheriff details dedicated work zone deputies
By Lane Kimble
PLOVER, Wis. -- Work zones in Portage County pretty much look like ones in any other place: plenty of orange. But for the past two seasons they’ve added an additional uniform color: brown. Recognizing a…
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July 25, 2024
WTBA of Tomorrow feels the need for speed after politically packed morning
By Lane Kimble
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. -- In the midst of a busy summer work season, sometimes you have to burn off some steam, or… burn some rubber. The WTBA of Tomorrow Council tore up the Motorplex racetrack…
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July 25, 2024
State awards first $50 million of Agriculture road program funds
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Dozens of communities this week found out they’ll get a piece of $150 million in state money to fix deteriorating rural roads. Gov. Tony Evers’ office announced Wednesday the first batch of…
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July 24, 2024
Shining a light on the night: Michels, WTBA show lawmakers I-41 project requires around-the-clock work
By Lane Kimble
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- It was pretty easy to spot a group of five state lawmakers walking the median of I-41 Tuesday night near Appleton -- what with their matching neon yellow reflective vests, pants,…
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July 19, 2024
Milton teen working toward license awarded with $500 Work Zone Safe scholarship
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- If Dakoda Funk is anything, he’s disarmingly honest. The 15-year-old from Milton is one of more than 750 people across Wisconsin to take the new Work Zone Safe Wisconsin (WZSW) online course…
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July 19, 2024
Annual golf outing strengthens industry bonds, generates lasting memories for 220+ players
By Lane Kimble
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- The only thing brighter than the sun splashed fairways were the countless smiles and echoes of laughter at Trappers Turn on Thursday. The WTBA Annual Golf Outing drew more than 220…
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July 12, 2024
I-43 North-South expansion hits milestone
By Lane Kimble
GRAFTON, Wis. -- Traffic flow is about to get a lot smoother along the northern leg of the 14-mile I-43 reconstruction project. Starting Friday, the new third northbound lane of I-43 between Highland Road and…
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July 12, 2024
IGE gives Senate Transportation chair up-close look at successes, utility challenge in Wausau
By Lane Kimble
WAUSAU, Wis. -- Cory Tomczyk was clearly enjoying himself – full of smiles and booming laughter – while walking a WTBA-member worksite in Wausau this week. “I’m a hands-on guy and I don’t mind getting…
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July 10, 2024
Public meetings coming on potentially huge I-39/90/94 rebuild, expansion
By Lane Kimble
After years of research, delays, and now renewed support, you’ll have a chance later this month to learn more about a massive potential rebuild and expansion of I-39/90/94 in south-central Wisconsin. WisDOT is holding three…
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July 5, 2024
ARTBA details concerns over new OSHA heat rule
By Lane Kimble
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite ARTBA staff directly urging OSHA to avoid creating an overly general and non-flexible rule, the agency Tuesday released a pre-publication version of its new heat safety standards. The rules require construction…
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July 3, 2024
“Kind of like a symphony”: WTBA members give state lawmakers I-43 worksite tour
By Lane Kimble
MEQUON, Wis. -- With part of her nearby home undergoing renovations, Deb Andraca felt… well… right at home this morning as she walked around a freeway construction project. “It’s always better (when it’s finished), just…
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July 2, 2024
Former WTBA president, Rock Road co-owner Bill Kennedy dies at 74
By Lane Kimble
WTBA regrets to inform you of the passing of William (Bill) Kennedy. Bill died Friday, June 28, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was 74. Bill owned Rock Road Companies in Janesville with his two…
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June 28, 2024
Construction worker, driver killed in Pewaukee work zone crash
By Lane Kimble
PEWAUKEE, Wis. -- A construction worker died and another was hurt when a truck crashed through their work zone in Pewaukee this week. The crash also killed a 76-year-old woman. It happened Wednesday around 9:30…
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June 27, 2024
WisDOT ponders pausing some projects during 2025 NFL Draft
By Lane Kimble
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Who knows if Green Bay will draw enough people to surpass the record-setting 700,000 fans who went to this year’s NFL Draft in Detroit, but one thing is certain: there will…
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June 27, 2024
WisDOT to public: I-94 East-West on track to begin Fall 2025
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- Construction work that should ease congestion and reduce crashes along a busy stretch of I-94 in Milwaukee is on track to begin in a little more than a year. The I-94 East-West Corridor…
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June 25, 2024
Statewide tour calling on creative infrastructure changes, investments
By Lane Kimble
If you could redesign your town’s business district, bike trails, parks and playgrounds, how would you do it? A new statewide initiative is challenging people to share their most creative dreams and visions to try…
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June 21, 2024
Paving for Planes: Michels’ Dane County airport job comes with hurdles, highlights
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- The size, speed, and sound of jets taking off and landing kind of redefines the idea of work zone “traffic control,” but Bradley Buechel is getting used to it. “If you can…
Read MoreJune 20, 2024
BREAKING: WisDOT, FHWA publish draft Environmental Impact Study on potential I-39/90/94 projects
By Lane Kimble
An effort to repair aging roadway and reduce travel times along a vital stretch of I-39/90/94 between Madison and Wisconsin Dells took the next step this week. Thursday, WisDOT and the Federal Highway Administration announced…
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June 13, 2024
Infrastructure helps drive state to record-setting 2023 tourism season
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- A strong network of state and local roads helped nearly two million more people visit Wisconsin in 2023 compared to the previous year. This week, Gov. Tony Evers’ office announced the state…
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June 11, 2024
‘We want them to go home’: WisDOT, WTBA members stress work zone safety during NW region event
By Lane Kimble
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- The night of Oct. 23, 2023 will stick with Jacob Klages for a long time. The WisDOT project engineer had just arrived for his shift at a bridge replacement job on…
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June 5, 2024
WTBA Board gets in-depth update on two SE Megas via HNTB
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- The south-facing windows in HNTB’s 20th-floor meeting room provide a great view of downtown Milwaukee. You can see high-rises, the Third Ward, freeways, the Hoan Bridge, and the expanse of Lake Michigan. It…
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June 4, 2024
Kimble, Robins share Work Zone Safe course at County Highways summer conference
By Lane Kimble
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- When was the last time you realized doing your homework would literally save lives? It’s the question WTBA Director of Communications Lane Kimble presented Monday to the Wisconsin County Highway Association…
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June 4, 2024
Milwaukee-area student first recipient of WTBA’s Work Zone Safe Wisconsin scholarship
By Lane Kimble
A high school senior from West Allis who intends to study aerospace engineering will get a boost toward earning that degree thanks to her commitment to roadway safety. Tuesday, WTBA announced Clara Haass as the…
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June 2, 2024
‘Best part of the job’: Rep. Born gets first-hand look at plant, worksite during tour
By Lane Kimble
TOWN OF BURNETT, Wis. -- Between a tour of a quarry and asphalt plant, a short road trip through a work zone, and a stop outside a church where milling machines rumbled along Highway 26,…
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May 24, 2024
Training shows Lunda crews no fall is too small
By Lane Kimble
NEENAH, Wis. -- Work on an I-41 bridge stopped for about two hours Thursday morning, not because of an accident but in hopes of preventing one. The crew on that site formed a semi-circle around…
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May 23, 2024
State awards first round of EV charging station grants
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- What do 24 Kwik Trips, five hotels, a Casino in Green Bay and a Culver’s in Rhinelander all have in common? They’ll soon have electric vehicle charging stations that will capture revenue…
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May 22, 2024
‘They’re our family members’: Heartfelt, personal reminders for work zone safety ahead of holiday weekend
By Lane Kimble
BROOKFIELD, Wis. -- In an industry filled with risks, Andy Bakker places road pavement marking near the top of the list. “It is one of the most dangerous jobs in road construction,” Bakker said. That…
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May 17, 2024
Right on Target: WTBA Sporting Clays Tournament provides laugh-filled break
By Lane Kimble
CASCADE, Wis. -- The echo of shotguns blasting and target clays shattering gave way to laughter on Thursday. You could call it some much needed stress relief and joy slipped into a hectic start to…
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May 16, 2024
Blatnik Bridge alignment finalized, construction to begin in 2026
By Lane Kimble
SUPERIOR, Wis. -- Construction work to replace the Blatnik Bridge will likely begin in 2026, require closing the existing bridge for four years, and will produce a structure that runs along the same alignment with…
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May 16, 2024
WTBA presses lawmakers to support transportation industry & funding in D.C.
By Lane Kimble
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A trio of WTBA members went to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this week on a mission: ensure Wisconsin’s Congressional leaders understand a few simple but important keys about the transportation world.…
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May 14, 2024
WisDOT, Sen. Baldwin hold groundbreaking for Wisconsin River Bridge
By Lane Kimble
PORTAGE, Wis. -- It’s pretty tough to get millions of vehicles and billions of dollars in freight across the state without crossing the Wisconsin River. Work to make sure that stays possible along a key…
Read MoreMay 9, 2024
Public info meeting May 15 to detail initial work on $1.8 billion Blatnik replacement
By Lane Kimble
A public meeting next week will set the stage for actual construction to begin on replacing the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth. MnDOT and WisDOT will hold a joint informational session Wednesday, May 15,…
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May 8, 2024
Mobile equipment sales tax exemption forms required June 1
By Lane Kimble
A law WTBA helped pass, clarifying the manufacturing sales tax credit for important road building equipment, goes into effect soon. Contractors who want to claim the credit on portable plants, crushers, and other machines must…
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May 7, 2024
Fall Tribal Transportation Conference seeking presentation proposals
By Lane Kimble
You can help shape the state’s annual Tribal Transportation Conference agenda. Organizers are seeking proposals for presentations at the conference, which runs Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 22-23, 2024 at Ho-Chunk Gaming in Wisconsin Dells. Topics…
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May 3, 2024
State Rep. digs into quarry science on Walbec Group site tour
By Lane Kimble
DE PERE, Wis. -- Joy Goeben – the former teacher-turned state representative – found herself the studentwhen she pulled into a Walbec Group quarry in De Pere on Thursday morning. Nearly two hours later, Goeben…
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May 3, 2024
Freeway Focus: Mega projects draw big attention during WPF transportation luncheon
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- The East-West Corridor and I-794 in Milwaukee share plenty of similarities beyond the obvious: one flows into the other. Their futures, though, could look quite different. Those two stretches of freeway were the…
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April 26, 2024
“It takes a village”: WTBA launches Work Zone Safe Wisconsin with statewide media sweep
By Lane Kimble
LODI, Wis. -- If you or your company has an active highway project anywhere between Eau Claire and Green Bay, chances are a WTBA staff member drove through it this week. Covering more than 600…
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April 24, 2024
Seeking Support: WisDOT asking for letters to submit I-94 East-West for federal grant
By Lane Kimble
WisDOT predicts better travel times and a boosted economy when the I-94 East-West Corridor Project actually happens and is complete. However, the safety benefits may be the greatest benefit of all. In a public document…
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April 22, 2024
Utility claims training video now available on HCCI website
By Lane Kimble
The law is changed, now it’s time to iron out the wrinkles. The utility compensable delay legislation WTBA helped pass late last year ensures contractors are fairly and promptly paid when they encounter such a…
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April 19, 2024
‘Enough is enough’: Sheriff pledges strict enforcement as state kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week
By Lane Kimble
WYOCENA, Wis. -- You could sense Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner’s frustration even as he walked up to the podium Monday morning. “Enough is enough,” Brandner said, with some exasperation in his voice. “This is…
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April 18, 2024
Nearly 300 WTBA members attend memorable annual Brewers Outing
By Lane Kimble
MILWAUKEE -- Did a sea of neon orange and yellow reflective vests glimmering down the left field line distract Brewers batters enough to hold them hitless through 6 ⅔ innings? Maybe. Did it make for…
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April 17, 2024
State awards grant to build up streets and infrastructure around Marinette Marine
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Road builders will help shipbuilders drive (or… perhaps “sail”) Wisconsin’s economy forward thanks to a new grant announced this week. Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT Sec. Craig Thompson said the state was…
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April 12, 2024
REPORT: Statewide local road quality fell 7% since 2010; thoughtful investments needed
By Lane Kimble
The quality of Wisconsin’s more than 101,000 miles of local roads fell nearly 7% since 2010 and will likely get worse without measured and ongoing investments. The non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum detailed that notion in…
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April 12, 2024
DBE rule changes coming; ARTBA helps prevent supplier cap
By Lane Kimble
Some changes are coming to how the federal government handles the DBE program, but at least one proposed change won’t happen – a cap on supplier credits – thanks in part to ARTBA’s efforts. Prime…
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April 11, 2024
Proposal: Standardize above-ground tank inspections at 5,000 gallons and up
By Lane Kimble
There’s a big difference between 5,000-gallon tanks and the 110-gallon variety. A proposed rule change would formally clear that fact up when it comes to regulating large above ground storage tanks. Monday, the Wisconsin Department…
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April 10, 2024
WisDOT names new DBE program administrator
By Lane Kimble
A woman with experience in the public and private sectors will run WisDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Program moving forward. The Department announced Tiesha “Tie” Flemingas its new DBE Program Chief. Fleming replaces Madalena Maestri, who left…
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