Look for the Alternative Fuel Corridor Signs on I-94

Motorists driving along southern I-94, between the Wisconsin-Illinois border and Madison in Dane County, will now see alternative fuel corridor signs. These signs indicate the route has readily available electric charging stations that are part of a national network of corridors that support alternative fueling infrastructure.

“This is an important step in developing the transportation system of tomorrow,” Governor Tony Evers said. “As a state, we must continue our efforts to encourage the use of vehicles that run on clean, alternative fuels.”

“The signage is key to informing current electric car owners, as well as those considering electric car purchase, of the opportunity to fuel up when needed,” Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “Easy access to fuel is critical to expanding electric vehicles from local use to cross-country travel for private and corporate use.”

As a part of the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” (FAST) Act, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) called on states to nominate Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) along major roadways. Currently more than 145,222 miles of the National Highway System are designated as AFCs.

AFC designations

There are two designation types available for a given corridor:

1. “Corridor-Ready”: the route has enough facilities to warrant signage indicating locations of alternative fueling stations
2. “Corridor-Pending”: the route does not yet have enough facilities to warrant signage. FHWA coordinates with state and local entities to bring corridor-pending routes up to corridor-ready.

This section of I-94 is the first in Wisconsin designated as corridor-ready. Uniform signage has been developed to identify the start and end points of the designated alternate fuel corridors, so travelers can look for a consistent reference point. The signs indicate that a DC Faster Charger (DCFC) is available at least every 50 miles, and no more than 5 miles off the Interstate, along this 110-mile section of I-94.

The new signs are designed to label the corridor, but not necessarily direct motorists to specific refueling stations. To find specific electric vehicle charging stations in the state, and along I-94, drivers are encouraged to use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

Supporting alternative fuel vehicle use

WisDOT is working with Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Department of Administration to coordinate state efforts that will support the use of alternative fuels. In addition, WisDOT is participating in several Midwest initiatives to improve alternative fuel vehicle travel:

• Allow for inter-city, regional, and national travel using clean-burning fuels
• Address user range concern
• Integrate with existing transportation planning processes
• Accelerate public interest and awareness of alternative fuel availability

More information can be found on WisDOT’s Alternative Fuel webpage.

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.