May 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,…
Read MoreMay 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…
Read MoreMay 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…
Read MoreMay 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…
Read MoreMay 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 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…
Read MoreApril 5, 2024
Communication, training key to utility compensation success, WisDOT tells WTBA Board
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Change is hard. The new utility compensable delay bill the WTBA helped usher into law this legislative season is no exception to that rule. However, WisDOT says it’s committed to ensuring that…
Read MoreApril 5, 2024
First $50 million of ARIP funding coming, but when and where?
By Lane Kimble
Some of the work to repair dozens – if not hundreds – of rural roads across Wisconsin could begin later this year. Key word being: some. Applications for the first $50 million of new Agricultural…
Read MoreMarch 29, 2024
Interchange with Integrity: How WTBA members are tackling key deadline head-on
By Lane Kimble
LODI, Wis. -- It feels a bit like deja vu for Becky Woller’s Integrity Grading & Excavating crews: shift interstate traffic to the other side of the freeway, tear down a bridge, and build a…
Read MoreMarch 23, 2024
Gov. Evers signs WTBA-backed EV, construction equipment sales tax bills
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Placing ink on paper, Gov. Tony Evers helped place a new revenue stream in the state’s Transportation Fund. Evers signed SB791 and SB792 in his Capitol office Wednesday morning, surrounded by stakeholders,…
Read MoreMarch 21, 2024
Baas, Nelson join WTBA members for ‘whirlwind’ D.C. Fly-In
By Lane Kimble
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When you get the chance to bend the ear of Wisconsin’s political leaders and express the importance of transportation funding, you take it – even if that means traveling 700 miles. This…
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