WisDOT Invites Public Input on Annual ADA Transition Plan
Feedback helps improve transportation accessibility across the state
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) invites the public to review and comment on its annual Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, which outlines the department’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout Wisconsin’s transportation system – including roadside facilities, navigability within public rights of way and public input processes.
The ADA Transition Plan also identifies barriers to accessibility within WisDOT facilities and transportation infrastructure and establishes priorities for removing those barriers over time. WisDOT updates its ADA Transition Plan annually as part of its commitment to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensuring meaningful access to transportation facilities, programs and services. Public comments received during the review period help inform the final plan and future accessibility projects across the state.
“Transportation should be accessible to everyone,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Every sidewalk improvement, curb ramp, pedestrian signal and facility upgrade brings us closer to a transportation system that serves all Wisconsinites. We’re proud of our recent accomplishments, but we also recognize there is more to do. We encourage people with disabilities, their families, advocates, and anyone interested in accessibility to review our plan and share their perspectives. Their experiences help us make smarter investments and build a transportation network that is safer, more accessible and more welcoming for everyone.”
Recent highlights of WisDOT improvement projects that benefit people of all abilities:
- Two new Safety Rest Areas (SRA) along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel in Manitowoc County opened earlier this month.
- These facilities include dedicated ADA compliant family-assisted restrooms that include powered, height adjustable adult changing stations (also called universal changing stations).
- Over the next decade, WisDOT anticipates replacing several other outdated SRA facilities across Wisconsin.
- In 2025, approximately 2,500 curb ramps were installed on the state highway system to improve access for all pedestrians, including those with physical disabilities.
- Curb ramps incorporate features known as detectable warning surfaces, which can be felt with a cane or underfoot, to warn people who are blind or have low vision that they are about to enter or exit a vehicular way.
The draft 2026 ADA Transition plan is available for public review at wisconsindot.gov/ADA. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 and may be submitted via the online comment form, by email Taqwanya Smith, WisDOT ADA Coordinator, at taqwanya.smith@dot.wi.gov or by mail to:
Taqwanya Smith
Senior Title VI and ADA Coordinator
Office of Business Opportunity and Equity Compliance
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
4822 Madison Yards Way, 4th Floor South
Madison, Wisconsin 53705
The ADA Transition Plan is an update on the policies, procedures and practices that fulfill the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
For more information on the ADA Transition Plan or to share your input, visit wisconsindot.gov/ADA.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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