Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Press Release

Governor Evers announces $22.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for transportation projects in areas with populations above 50,000

 

By - Jul 15th, 2022 02:11 pm

Governor Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that the first year of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will provide about $22.5 million for 25 projects in Wisconsin areas with populations above 50,000.

Previously announced BIL funding provides about $35 million this year for projects in areas with fewer than 50,000 people. Since 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has improved more than 4,600 miles of highways and roads, including more than 1,700 locally owned roads across the state.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on our commitment to fix Wisconsin roads and move our transportation system forward,” Gov. Evers said. “We have so far improved more than 4,600 miles of state and locally owned roads and nearly 1,500 bridges, and I’m excited to continue building on our work with these additional federal funds that will help accelerate our work and provide more options for safe and efficient travel for folks across our state.”

“We are working closely with local officials to reach transportation solutions that make the most sense and provide the most benefit,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Wisconsin can make the most of this opportunity because of Governor Evers’ commitment to driving transportation improvements at all levels of government.”

The roughly $22.5 million in funding was distributed based on population. Federal expectations for this category of BIL requires WisDOT to distribute funding to population areas as defined by the census.

Projects were reviewed, ranked, and selected by the state’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Transportation Management Areas (TMA), and then approved by WisDOT. Funds will go to two counties, one town, four villages and 15 cities. It is the first of five years of extra funding provided by BIL.

A full list of the BIL funded projects for this round in this category is available online.

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.

Mentioned in This Press Release

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WIS 241 (27th Street) in the city of Frankin is currently closed due high water levels at the Root River. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) encourages drivers to be aware of changing travel conditions. “Know before you go” with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov or via the free app, to view highway closures impacted by flooding and weather alerts across the state. Current highway closure: Milwaukee County WIS 241 (27th Street) near the Root River is closed in both directions, Milwaukee County The timeline for reopening these roads remains unknown, as river levels are still cresting, and additional rain is anticipated. WisDOT officials are closely monitoring the roads and river levels and will reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so. While it’s difficult to predict if or where flooding may occur, WisDOT offers these tips: Flooding conditions may change rapidly so drive with caution at all times. Never drive through standing water or around barriers. As the safety slogan goes, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” It only takes a foot of rushing water to sweep away or float most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Just six inches of floodwater will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Stay alert and slow down. Follow designated detour routes if state, county and local roads experience flooding. If you must travel, check 511 Wisconsin for the latest information on any road closures or impacts.

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