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.

Transportation Connects Us

Merging Technology and Safety: The New Work Zone

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.

First mile, last mile: Wisconsin’s critical link between infrastructure and agriculture

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), 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 MAASTO’s new equity and inclusion initiative and how it can help improve diversity efforts in MAASTO’s 10 member states.

MAASTO: Midwest states collaborate on equity and inclusion

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.

MAASTO: States collaborate on CAV technology, future of transportation

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.

MAASTO: Regional collaboration addresses safety, pandemic response

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.

Traffic Safety: A shared responsibility

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is committed to its partnership with the 11 federally recognized Tribal Governments in Wisconsin to work on tribal relations and transportation-related issues. Learn more about WisDOT’s Tribal Affairs Program in this edition of Transportation Connects Us.

Tribal Affairs Program: WisDOT committed to unique tribal partnership

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the way we do business. Wisconsin DMV has created two new and  innovative programs to shift common tasks normally done in-person, to tasks that can be done online.

New DMV Programs: Online Driver License Renewal and Teen Road Test Waiver

The 2020 Census impacts many areas of life, including transportation. Joanna Beilman-Dulin of the Wisconsin Department of Administration joins the podcast to discuss everything you need to know about the Census.

WI Count – Census 2020

Transportation Secretary Thompson is joined by the executive directors of the Wisconsin Counties Association, The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the Wisconsin Towns Association to discuss the local impact of this innovative program, what has been learned from the streamlined process and share feedback from their members.

MLS: Innovative Process, Local Control, Immediate Impact

Wisconsin’s state highway maintenance engineer and the Jefferson County highway commissioner join the podcast to discuss the increasing use of liquid brine on state highways, detailing how it works and how it’s saving resources while dispelling a few myths along the way.

Clear Roads, Less Salt – Wisconsin Winter Road Maintenance

On this episode of Transportation Connects Us hear about WisDOT’s program that’s been helping small and emerging businesses better compete in the state’s competitive construction market. WisDOT has mentored businesses through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program or DBE for more than 30 years.

DBE: Helping Disadvantaged Businesses Succeed

A 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.

Innovative Grant Program to Fund Local Transportation Projects

In this episode of “Transportation Connects Us,” Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson and the administrator of WisDOT’s Division of Transportation System Development, Rebecca Burkel, discuss several programs that show how technology and innovation are helping save tax dollars and create better roads.

How WisDOT Maximizes Your Tax Dollars for Transportation

Beginning May 3, 2023, the new federal deadline, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. When enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins, the regular Wisconsin driver license or ID will no longer be accepted identification for air travel or to enter a federal building or military base. Hear DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman explain the new requirements and the steps Wisconsin residents can take to be REAL ID compliant.

Countdown to REAL ID Requirement

The podcast that addresses Wisconsin transportation topics. Produced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

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