- Faith Kandler — 1 starDid you know your Wisconsin Road Conditions
interactiv e map has been down for at least 2 days? You would think it could ...get fixed a little quicker since people depend on it to find out what the roads are like in other parts of the state! See More - Ryan Kirt — 1 starWhether it's constantly
staring at the ground to avoid foot deep potholes while driving my honda ruckus to class in milw...aukee, or ending up working 14 hour days as a truck driver because of pointless lane closures on i94, the wi dot is a failure to the citizens of this state. I hope to one day stumble upon a petition for those in charge to be expunged from their current positions. See More
TRAVEL PLANNING: Wisconsin is teeing up for next week's PGA Championship. I-43 and other major highways in eastern Wisconsin will be even busier than usual when golf fans travel to Whistling Straits near Kohler from Aug. 10 to 16.
** Here's a tip: State Patrol and Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office are beefing up their traffic enforcement on I-43. #SlowDown Find out more: http://bit.ly/1KQRPjb
Track traffic levels and alternate routes with 511wi.gov.
IN THE NEWS: The DNR announced the new Endangered Resources license plate. The DMV is now accepting pre-orders for the eagle plates. The orders will be processed and the plates will be issued beginning September 1.
Order them online at wisconsindot.gov, keyword search Endangered Resources license plate or http://wisconsindot.gov/…/vehicl…/title-plates/endanger.aspx
NEW EAGLE LICENSE PLATE!
We are very excited to reveal the new Endangered Resources license plate featuring this eagle photo submitted by Troy Hattemer. You can... pick up an application for this new plate beginning today at any DMV service center. The plates will be available in September. For every plate purchased, a $25 donation goes to the Endangered Resources Fund to care for Wisconsin’s rare plants and animals and unique natural areas. Troy's photo was one of 2,345 photos submitted for this contest. His was chosen not only for its stunning beauty, but also that it fit the very detailed specifications for the license plate size. Thank you to all who submitted photos. So many of them were absolutely amazing! #WIeagleplate
IN THE NEWS: It's nice to know we're not the only ones who find these massive projects fascinating. The St. Croix Crossing is a shared project between Wisconsin and Minnesota DOTs.
What can you say about witnessing the development of such an incredible engineering feat that will last generations?
Information, including web cam, diagrams and more, is at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing/ ...
The Public Events section gives tour information. You'll want to check back often because more tours are planned. Add this to your fall leaf-peeping road trip. There’s really nothing prettier than northern Wisconsin in the fall. (BTW: Also check out http://wisconsindot.gov/ (keyword) Rustic Roads to truly discover Wisconsin)
Wisconsin Department of Transportation added 6 new photos to the album: THE REF.
Traveling across Wisconsin, THE REF (Transportable High-End Rider Education Facility) delivers high-quality training using state-of-the-art simulators, touch-screen monitors and more. Come in and see what's inside this mobile motorcycle safety training unit. http://bit.ly/1H753X9
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Who's ready for the weekend? As you make your plans for a weekend adventure or to simply experience a new view, consider the road less traveled. Wisconsin's Rustic Roads will show you some of the best parts of #Wisconsin.
http://wisconsindot.gov/ (keyword) Rustic Roads will take you to maps and directions. You'll get interesting commentary about what you see along the road stretched out before you.
END OF MONTH: Summer is flying by. Is it time to renew? Do you have other tasks to do? Save time; Don't get in line. Many DMV tasks can now be done online. #SkiptheTrip www.wisconsindmv.gov
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Which smaller airports serve popular Wisconsin tourist destinations: http://bit.ly/1VFlcrL @TDAWisconsin
In 2014, more than $114 million in federal and state funds supported more than 80 airport improvement projects at more than 60 airports around Wisconsin.
IN THE NEWS: How do you shut down a major travel corridor? Quickly and efficiently.
Last night’s closure of a portion of Madison’s Beltline was a success. Check out how they accomplished this on the Verona Road Project page https://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject/posts/1007300382626355
GREAT NEWS!!! Last night, crews successfully set the first section of the new pedestrian bridge over the Beltline, between Verona Road (US 18/151) and Seminole ...Highway.
The project contractor, WisDOT project staff and traffic section, WisDOT Oversize/Overweight Permitting Section, Wisconsin State Patrol, Statewide Traffic Operations Center, and other state agencies were involved in its safe delivery and placement. Check out some of the pictures!
EVERYDAY HERO: WisDOT intern saves driver after crashing into pond
Last month, Andrew Sinko, who works as a Student Engineer Trainee (SET) intern in the SE Region, was working at the Mayfair Stormwater Pond when a loud noise got his attention. A car careened off the side of the road from the northbound lanes and crashed into the pond approximately 15 feet in front of him. The car floated out about 30 feet before stopping.
Andrew made his way down to the edge of the pond whil...e dialing 911. The car seemed to float for a couple minutes so Andrew could assess the situation. The driver was visibly conscious and the windows were up. The trunk opened and the car was taking on water and sinking.
Help hadn't arrived yet so Andrew swam out to the car. Luckily the driver was alert and able to unbuckle his seat belt so Andrew opened the door and helped him out. The driver indicated he could swim but he was struggling so Andrew used the rescue stroke to get them safely to shore. The rescue workers arrived about that same time to help get the victim into the ambulance for evaluation.
Andrew is a #UWM Civil Engineering undergrad. Each summer, WisDOT recruits #interns for production-oriented positions that offer excellent “real world” work experience for future engineering graduates. Looks like he can add heroic rescue to his resume.
Facebook Feature: What’s it like to work behind the scenes at an airport? These teens found out through ACE, Aviation Career Education, an innovative and successful school-to-work program in the Milwaukee area. #OSH15
IN THE NEWS: Governor proclaims Wisconsin Aviation Week. http://bit.ly/1fZynUq
Aviation is one key part of the state’s transportation network in Wisconsin. Aviation-related jobs generate nearly $7 billion in annual economic activity and $3.5 billion in personal income.
Did you know, in Wisconsin in 2014:
• 127 public-use airports moved about 119 million pounds of cargo and nearly 5 million commercial passengers. ...
• about $114 million in state and federal funds were invested on 60 airport improvement projects.
Last weekend, teens learned driving skills that typically are not taught in driver’s education, such as how to handle a vehicle on slippery pavement or react to a deer in their path.
The Ford Driving Skills for Life program visited Madison and taught advanced driving skills by operating specially equipped vehicles on challenging courses under the supervision of professional instructors. Each half-day session provided hands-on experience with vehicle handling, hazard recognition, speed management and space management.Teens also learned about the dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving.
Check out WisDOT's photo album and also see https://www.facebook.com/FordDrivingSkillsForLife There were some pretty big smiles as the teens drove a Mustang and tried goggles that simulated impaired driving.
#TBT Aviation has long been a part of Wisconsin State Patrol’s efforts to keep our roads safe.
Next week’s spotlight on Wisconsin Aviation Week celebrates the importance of passenger, commercial, and experimental aviation to the state. #EAA http://bit.ly/1CJGqOS
SAFETY FIRST: Workers truly put their lives on the line each day. For all those who work to improve Wisconsin roads, please put down your phone, #SlowDown and #PayAttention in work zones. Lives depend on it.
IN THE NEWS: Resembling a marshmallow but measuring 105 feet long, 22 feet wide, 22 feet high and weighing a fluffy 121,000 lbs, this load is going from Wisconsin Rapids and heading to northern WI/MN line over the next week. WisDOT worked months, factoring in road weight limits and even coordinating with utility companies, to make it possible.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It doesn’t happen often so check out this feature on WisDOT from the Federal Highway Administration. It highlights the innovative surface treatment WisDOT used on the Marquette Interchange ramp. The link from FHWA’s post takes you to the WisDOT web page which explains this treatment. Who knew that little stuff can make such a big difference in saving lives?
SAFETY TIP: If you can’t see the #trucker or the mirrors, then the driver can’t see you. Don’t hang out in their blindspot.
Tailgating trucks or cars is aggressive driving and a common cause for traffic crashes. The safety concern is all about being able to stop in time. Here are tips on when to know you're too close: http://wisconsindot.gov/…/educ…/drv-behavior/tailgating.aspx
