Video recaps investments in infrastructure, public safety, innovation
Release date: December 21, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is wrapping up 2023 with a look back at the work done to improve communities across Wisconsin. WisDOT spent the year focused on investing in Wisconsin's infrastructure, public safety, innovation and the future of our transportation system.
“Making an investment is about more than just dollars and cents. It's about improving the safety, mobility and quality of life in every corner of the state," Secretary Craig Thompson said. “That's exactly what WisDOT has done along with our partners this year. I'm proud of the team at WisDOT and I'm excited about the work we'll do together in 2024."
The WisDOT 2023 Year in Review video recaps highlights and accomplishments from the past year.
Investing in infrastructure
Since 2019, WisDOT and partners have improved more than 7,400 miles of roadway and 1,780 bridges as Governor Tony Evers' administration continues to focus on revitalization of Wisconsin's infrastructure.
2023 accomplishments include:
The 2023-2025 Biennial Budget is the third state budget in a row to increase funding for transportation improvements in all corners of the state.
2023 project investments funded more than 350 projects, including:
Completed the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee County, providing a critical hub for commerce and tourism that benefits the entire state.
Improved the WIS 15 commuter route between New London and the Fox Cities.
Completed US 14/South Avenue reconstruction to improve safety and connectivity in La Crosse.
Widened WIS 21 in north central Wisconsin, enhancing safety for travelers.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Nearly $606 million in federal funds have been awarded for more than 500 projects throughout Wisconsin.
In partnership with Minnesota, submitted federal grant applications to replace the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth – an important connection for our states.
Harbors: Invested $6.2 million in Harbor Assistance Program grants to take advantage of Wisconsin's unique geography and reach worldwide markets using its maritime routes.
Rail: Received federal funding to study Amtrak passenger rail expansions, including adding Eau Claire and Madison along the route between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities and adding an additional round trip between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities.
Investing in safety
2023 accomplishments include:
Safety First Initiative: Launched in 2023 to review how WisDOT divisions work together to improve safety for all transportation system users.
Enforcement: The Division of State Patrol invested more than 400 hours in aerial speed enforcement missions and continued critical partnerships with other police agencies to combat reckless driving in communities throughout the state.
Awareness messaging: Launched new video advertisements to encourage drivers to think of the people impacted by risky driving. Partnered with Wisconsin football legend Donald Driver for Buckle Up Phone Down Day, to urge people to make good decisions behind the wheel.
Work zone safety: Through federal grant funding, WisDOT will develop innovations to make our work zones safer for people on both sides of the barrels.
Investing in innovation
2023 accomplishments include:
New driver license: The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) upgraded security features on Wisconsin driver license and ID cards to make them more resistant to fraud.
Online services: The DMV continues to be recognized as an industry leader for expanding its online services, including vehicle titling and registration renewal.
Online maps: Published an online archive featuring 100 years of Wisconsin's official state highway maps and released more custom geographic information systems maps to help the public find certain landmarks or locations, including Scenic Byways.
511 Wisconsin: Updated the look of the 511 Wisconsin website as we continue to invest in improvements to the free information system that keeps travelers up to date on the latest traffic conditions.
Electric vehicles: Continued rollout of the 2023 Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan. New funding will allow for grants to build EV charging stations across the state.
Connected and Automated Vehicles: Partnered with first responders to understand how this technology impacts their work. Received a federal grant to test an Automated Truck Mounted Attenuator designed to protect highway workers from crashes.
Investing in the future
2023 accomplishments include:
Watch WisDOT's 2023 Year in Review video here: https://youtu.be/NqU_ATCcqrE
View a complete list of 2023 announcements in WisDOT's Newsroom: wisconsindot.gov/news
For more information, contact:
WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-3581, opa.exec@dot.wi.gov