Wisconsin Department of Transportation

If you're heading to the polls today for Wisconsin’s Partisan Primary election, you can show your regular driver license or ID. A federally compliant REAL ID is not necessary.

BEHIND THE BARRELS: Kaitlyn is a Civil Engineer in the Northeast Region. She’s reminding motorists that safe travels start with responsible drivers!

BACK TO SCHOOL: Whether you’re a student, teacher, or principal, our county bicycle maps can help you plan a safe biking route to and from school this fall. The maps show bicycle trails, road conditions, higher volume roads, and more.

If you’re looking for more detailed maps of your community, our bicycle maps page has links to various city bike maps. You can also find links to the Wisconsin State Bicycle Map, the Great River Road Bicycle Map, and more. Go here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/bike/bike-maps/default.aspx

THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) uses a triskelion as the center portion of our official seal/logo. Triskelion is an ancient Greek term meaning three-legged.

The logo use dates back to the formation of the department on August 8, 1967. It symbolizes the department’s interest in land, air and water facilities that are vital to Wisconsin’s economic progress. The triskelion concept is also used by the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT began using it in April 1967).

WORKING FOR YOU IN RACINE COUNTY: Construction continues along WIS 20 (Washington Avenue) in Mt. Pleasant to improve the driving surface and pedestrian accessibility.

Crews are resurfacing around one mile of roadway between 90th Street and Oakes Road and making improvements to the bridges over Willow Road and the Union Pacific Railroad. Between Oakes Road and WIS 31, crews are repaving 1.6 miles of roadway, replacing traffic signals, and completing box culvert work at the Pike River. Portions of the sidewalks, which are heavily relied on by students, will also be replaced.

“This project includes a little bit of everything, but all these improvements have one thing in common – safety,” WisDOT project manager Stephen said. “Whether you’re driving, walking, or biking, WisDOT’s goal is to help everyone get from point A to point B as safely, efficiently, and smoothly as possible.”

Throughout the project, traffic is being maintained in both directions along WIS 20. Long-term single and double lane closures are anticipated. The project is scheduled for completion in late fall 2024.
Learn more about the project: https://projects.511wi.gov/20resurf/

Ride like your life depends on it! Here are some reminders on the gear and equipment a motorcyclist should consider when preparing to ride. Daytime running lights and eye protection are required by law.

Read more on motorcycle safety: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/motorcycles/mc-safety/gear.aspx

It's officially August, and the Wisconsin Partisan Primary election is coming up soon. Here are all of the IDs you can use to vote. If you need an ID, visit wisconsindmv.gov/IDcards.

Our summer safety event is in full swing! We’re showing off all the work we and our partners are doing to make transportation safety the center of all we do. Come see us at the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison – the event goes until 3 p.m. today (July 30).

You can help us by putting safety first every time you’re behind the wheel. Learn more about WisDOT’s safety efforts here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/073024-summer-safety-event.aspx

REMINDER: In 80-degree weather, it only takes a car 10 minutes to heat up 20 degrees and become deadly. Last year, 29 children died of heatstroke in vehicles. Prevent these tragedies by:

👶 Never leaving a child (or pet) in a vehicle unattended
👀 Making it a habit to look in the back seat every time you exit the car
🔒 Always locking the car and putting the keys out of reach

If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.

SAVE THE DATE: Join us on Aug. 19-21 in Wisconsin Dells for the Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety.

Members of the public are invited to this event which welcomes our many partners in traffic safety to share information and best practices on keeping our roads safe. Speakers, breakout sessions, networking, exhibitors, and more await! Details here:

2024 Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety The Wisconsin Department of Transportation welcomes our many partners in traffic safety from across the state and nation to the 49th Annual Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety, August 19-24, 2024 at the Kalahari Convention Center and Resort, Wisconsin Dells. The Governor’s Conference will pr...

It was a great day in Wisconsin Dells as the Wisconsin State Patrol welcomed its newest members. Congrats, grads! Thank you to all troopers and inspectors for keeping our roads safe.

DYK? Those little bumps on sidewalk curb ramps are called truncated domes, and they serve to warn those who are visually impaired that they are about to leave the sidewalk and enter a street. These treatments can also be found at bus or train terminals. The bumps can be felt with a white cane and under your feet.

Last year, our crews reconstructed over 1,700 curb ramps on state highways across Wisconsin in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We also ensure our WisDOT facilities such as rest areas and DMV service centers meet ADA standards. Learn more about our commitment to accessibility here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/civil-rights/titlevi-ada/ADAcompliance.aspx

Earlier today, WisDOT staff joined the Wisconsin State Patrol, Portage County officials and other partners in Plover to emphasize the message of safe, responsible driving in work zones.

As we deliver hundreds of highway projects each year to improve roads and keep motorists safe, the event served as a great reminder that we need to keep our highway workers safe as well. Slowing down, staying patient, and avoiding distractions are the best ways drivers can prevent needless injuries and deaths on Wisconsin roads. https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/072524-workzonesafety.aspx

Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announce $50 million for rural road and bridge improvements to support Wisconsin’s farmers, producers and agriculture industries through the Agriculture Roads Improvement Program (ARIP). More: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3aa6819

WORKING FOR YOU IN ONEIDA COUNTY: A road improvement project on US 51 in Minocqua was recently completed to improve the driving surface and pedestrian accessibility.

Crews installed new curb and gutter, repaved the road, and installed a new sidewalk along the project lines from Manitou Park Drive to the Minocqua Lake bridge. The project was finished three weeks ahead of schedule, which allowed US 51 to be open during the busy Fourth of July holiday.

WisDOT Project Manager Michelle credited the early finish to a strong collaboration between the contractors and engineering staff.

Calling all pilots! If you’re attending EAA’s AirVenture this week, it’s a great time to learn about our Fly Wisconsin Passport Program. It promotes aviation safety and education and supports local communities by encouraging pilots to fly to all 120+ general aviation airports in Wisconsin.

By collecting stamps from 41 or more airports, you can earn recognition awards such as a shirt, flight bag, or leather jacket. Learn more: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/air/pilot-info/flywi.aspx

The Wisconsin Partisan Primary election is August 13. You’ll need to show identification at the polls to vote. Need an ID? The Wisconsin DMV can help you get one in time. Learn more: https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/072224idvote1.aspx

WORKING FOR YOU IN PEPIN COUNTY: A resurfacing project is underway on WIS 25 near Durand to provide a smoother and safer driving surface for all motorists.

Crews are resurfacing a 13.5-mile stretch of WIS 25 from just southwest of Durand to WIS 35 North. Other project improvements include:

• Culvert cleaning and replacement
• Guardrail replacement
• New pavement markings

“This roadway needed a refreshing as it’s a section of highway that is heavily traveled,” WisDOT Northwest Region Project Manager Tyson said.

Motorists on WIS 25 will encounter lane closures controlled by flagging. The project is scheduled for completion in late September. https://projects.511wi.gov/wis25bc/

Hey aviation enthusiasts! Gearing up for EAA’s AirVenture event next week in Oshkosh? Check out the newest edition of the Wisconsin Aeronautical Chart!

The chart is provided for free to the public as an aid to safety and to promote Wisconsin’s public-use airports. View PDF files or order a physical copy here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/air/airport-info/aerochart.aspx

Feeling buzzed? 🐝 You’re likely impaired and over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive. It’s not worth the risk of a $10,000+ OWI conviction, not to mention endangering yourself and other drivers.

Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving!

DYK? Wisconsin has the fourth-largest Amish population among 32 states. Animal-drawn vehicles, also known as horse and buggies, are a common sight in some rural areas of Wisconsin. These vehicles usually go less than 25 mph.

Not exceeding the speed limit and paying attention to the road in front of you, especially around corners, are the best ways to avoid dangerous situations with animal-drawn vehicles. If you approach an animal-drawn vehicle, slow down and only pass when safe to do so.

Driving in rural Wisconsin? You may encounter flagging operations if roads are being worked on, as detours are not always an option in rural areas. These work zones usually involve a lane closure on a two-way road, and traffic takes turns traveling through the only available lane. Here’s a reminder on what to do when approaching flagging operations:

1. Watch for road work signs and slow down. Be prepared to stop completely.
2. Follow the instructions of the flagger (work zone crew member).
3. If a flagger instructs you to stop, stop behind the designated line or cone. Stay patient and do not proceed until the flagger directs you to do so.
4. When instructed to move through the work zone (usually by a sign that reads, “SLOW”), slowly navigate through the work zone, don’t pass other vehicles, and watch for workers.

It’s a hot one out there. Keep it cool behind the wheel today! 😎

If you’re hauling a boat, camper, or trailer, you’re responsible to ensure that your trailer is in good mechanical condition and that it’s safely attached to the vehicle.

Before you leave home make sure:

👉Trailer tires, axles and lights are in proper working condition
👉The ball and hitch coupling assembly are the same size and latch securely
👉Two safety chains of proper strength are attached between the vehicle and the trailer (with enough slack to allow proper turning, but not long enough to drag on the ground as this can cause sparks and wildfires)
👉To crisscross the safety chains; it creates a cradle that can catch the tongue of the trailer should an unexpected disconnection occur

Ever wonder what this button is for? It activates your vehicle’s hazard lights (four external indicator lights flashing at the same time). Hazard lights should only be used when your vehicle is disabled or to signal caution to other drivers requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing traffic hazards.