January 19, 2024
C-E Conference draws huge crowd thanks to strong agenda, networking opportunities
By Lane Kimble
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- The view from the podium was truly impressive: a sea of people crowded into a huge ballroom with their attention on the stage. It’s the kind of audience WisDOT Secretary Craig…
Read MoreDecember 29, 2023
Blatnik Bridge likely to be design-build project
By Lane Kimble
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Citing potential cost savings and better collaboration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says it’s poised to use the design-build method to reconstruct the massive and aging Blatnik Bridge. MnDOT Deputy Commissioner…
Read MoreDecember 21, 2023
More work in ’24? Federal funding comes in $145M higher than expected
By Lane Kimble
The state should have nearly $150 million more to work with to improve roads and the transportation system in 2024. Monday, WisDOT notified the Joint Finance Committee that federal transportation funding for FY2024 came in…
Read MoreDecember 21, 2023
Utility compensation language to appear in January 2024 letting
By Lane Kimble
Project specs appearing in January’s WisDOT letting will have some small, but important, additions that represent years of WTBA staff and member work. WisDOT updated its Additional Special Provision-6 (ASP-6) this week to reflect compensatory…
Read MoreDecember 21, 2023
Leading the Charge: Bill to allow electricity sales, tax into Transportation Fund gets public hearing
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- In the not so distant future, you could pull up to a Kwik Trip (or any of the many fine fuel stations across Wisconsin) and notice a new price illuminated next to…
Read MoreDecember 19, 2023
Major Progress? TPC recommends two potential projects for study
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- For the first time in more than 10 years, the state Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) recommended two new potential Major projects for study. Wednesday, the TPC approved looking at expanding the US…
Read MoreDecember 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,…
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