Innovative Grant Program to Fund Local Transportation Projects
Release Date: 11/20/2019
Move Over or Slow Down: Protecting those who protect us
Transportation Connects Us
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Wisconsin’s Move Over Law and Wisconsin Act 115 – two laws meant to protect Wisconsin’s roadside responders. We also hear frontline stories about close calls from first responders who risk their lives every day to help us. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson discusses the importance of protecting the people who work along our highways and key points about the laws. Amherst Fire District Assistant Fire Chief Brian Swan played a key role in getting Wisconsin Act 115 signed into law by Governor Tony Evers in December...
info_outline
Flex Lane: Innovative solution improves travel times on Madison Beltline
Transportation Connects Us
The Flex Lane opened on the Madison Beltline (US 12/18) in July 2022 as one solution to ease backups and improve traffic flow on one of Wisconsin’s busiest highways. Preliminary data shows the Flex Lane is working. It’s improved travel times by 30% during the first two months of operation. WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, Madison Region Economic Partnership President and CEO Jason Fields and a few Beltline drivers join our latest podcast to discuss how the Beltline improvements are benefitting drivers, alleviating congestion and how an improved Beltline...
info_outline
Frontline stories: Wisconsin crash responders recall near-death experiences
Transportation Connects Us
This episode takes you inside the world of Wisconsin crash response. You’ll hear harrowing stories from first responders who were either hit by a vehicle or involved in an extremely close call with traffic. Crash response is a dangerous job, hear it directly from those who willingly face those dangers every day.
info_outline
Discussing cybersecurity: WisDOT and DATCP provide resources to protect your information online
Transportation Connects Us
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) team up for a podcast to bring you important information to help keep you safe online. As reports of fraud, phishing, and imposter scams continue to rise, learn what our agencies are doing to protect Wisconsinites and learn useful tips you can start doing right now to be safer online.
info_outline
Merging Technology and Safety: The New Work Zone
Transportation Connects Us
Envision a work zone in Wisconsin and you’ll likely picture orange barrels, heavy equipment and workers in hard hats. Technology may not come to mind, but it is playing an increasingly important role in keeping motorists and workers safe. In the latest episode of “Transportation Connects Us,” WisDOT engineers discuss the safety benefits of work zone technology like Queue Warning Systems, the Dynamic Late Merge System (zipper merge) and modern work zone inspection equipment.
info_outline
First mile, last mile: Wisconsin’s critical link between infrastructure and agriculture
Transportation Connects Us
On this episode, we’re talking transportation and ag with WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary-designee Randy Romanski. We discuss the relationship between transportation infrastructure and the success of Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic and motorist and farm vehicle safety as we head into the important spring farming season.
info_outline
MAASTO: Midwest states collaborate on equity and inclusion
Transportation Connects Us
Midwest states are collaborating to promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion in our transportation systems. As members of the Mid America Association of Transportation Officials (MAASTO), WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher discuss MAASTO’s new equity and inclusion initiative and how it can help improve diversity efforts in MAASTO’s 10 member states.
info_outline
MAASTO: States collaborate on CAV technology, future of transportation
Transportation Connects Us
Midwest states continue to work together to ensure residents, businesses and agencies are positioned to take advantage of connected and automated vehicle technology. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher discuss the future of transportation in part two of our special three-part podcast series.
info_outline
MAASTO: Regional collaboration addresses safety, pandemic response
Transportation Connects Us
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher discuss how collaboration is helping Midwest states respond to shared transportation issues like the rise in traffic deaths and the coronavirus pandemic. Listen to part one of a special three-part podcast series with these Midwest transportation leaders.
info_outline
Traffic Safety: A shared responsibility
Transportation Connects Us
Traffic fatalities are up in many states across the country in 2020, including Wisconsin. WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson and Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tony Burrell analyze traffic data and explain why fatalities are up during a year when traffic volume has been down, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
info_outlineA new grant program in the 2019-21 budget is helping put money where it’s needed, in local communities to fund transportation projects. Municipalities are lauding the one-time, $75 million ‘Multimodal Local Supplement’ program for the simplicity of the application process. Interest is high and local governments are recognizing it will take a creative project pitch to win one of the competitive grants. Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson discussed the benefits of the program with local government association leaders in WisDOT’s latest Transportation Connects Us Podcast. To apply for an MLS grant or to learn more, click here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/mls.aspx.