Celebrating 250 Years and the Power of Transportation | | |
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the American Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has compiled a list of 250 transportation projects that illustrate how infrastructure has shaped the nation’s growth and progress.
Throughout our history, transportation investments have connected communities, expanded economic opportunity, improved safety, and supported national development. The projects featured in the collection show how well‑planned infrastructure can deliver lasting value and, in many cases, change the trajectory of entire regions or our nation.
The list includes major national milestones, such as the Interstate Highway System and the transcontinental railroad, as well as notable projects in every state. Wisconsin’s highlighted projects include:
- The Hoan Bridge
- Port Milwaukee
- Marquette and Zoo Interchanges
- Hiawatha Corridor
These examples only scratch the surface of Wisconsin’s transportation investments that have supported jobs, mobility, economic growth, and the welfare of Wisconsin residents.
As the nation marks 250 years, it is worth reflecting on how these investments helped build the country we know today. More importantly, we need to look forward, understanding that the decisions we make now will shape the transportation system that carries us into the next century and beyond.
| | Interstate Highway System at 70: Benefits and Challenges | |
The U.S. Interstate Highway System, one of the nation’s most transformative infrastructure achievements, is 70, and its impact remains enormous. A new report from TRIP, a national transportation research group, finds that the system provides Americans with an estimated $65 billion in annual benefits through reduced crashes, lower congestion, and improved travel reliability.
Interstate travel remains far safer than other roadways, with a fatality rate less than half that of non‑Interstate routes. TRIP estimates that enhanced design features prevented nearly 7,000 deaths in 2024. The network also cuts delays by 1.3 billion hours each year and reduces fuel consumption by 369 million gallons.
Wisconsin’s Estimated Annual Interstate Highway System Numbers
- 121 deaths prevented
- 20 million hours of delay averted
- 5.6 million gallons of gas saved
- More than $1 billion in economic benefits
The report also points to growing challenges that put these benefits at risk. Interstate travel has increased 29% since 2000, nearly triple the rate at which new lane capacity has been added. As a result, 49% of urban interstate segments are congested during peak hours. Truck traffic has grown even faster, rising 61% over the same period. TRIP reports that Wisconsin had the 12th-highest growth in interstate traffic during this time, with a 46% increase.
Aging pavement and bridges add to the strain, with many segments now requiring full reconstruction rather than continued resurfacing. Wisconsin has been dealing with this challenge for more than twenty years. While the state has made important investments in modernizing some corridors, it still lacks a long‑term, statewide strategy to upgrade the remaining interstate routes.
TRIP’s findings echo a 2019 Transportation Research Board (TRB) study calling for major reinvestment. TRB recommended increasing annual interstate funding from $23 billion in 2018 to $57 billion annually over 20 years to rebuild, modernize, and upgrade key corridors.
With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set to expire in 2026, the report underscores the need for strong federal leadership and a renewed federal‑state partnership to ensure the Interstate Highway System can meet the nation’s growing transportation demands.
| | Wisconsin Cities Shine in 2026 Best Places to Bike Rankings | | |
PeopleForBikes has released its 2026 City Ratings, evaluating biking infrastructure and conditions in more than 3,000 communities nationwide. Wisconsin is well represented.
Wisconsin Highlights
- Washburn ranks first in the state and fourth nationally.
- Milwaukee ranks sixth among large cities across the country.
- Twelve Wisconsin cities place in the national top 100 across all sizes.
- Nine Wisconsin cities rank in the top 100 among medium-sized cities.
- Thirteen Wisconsin cities rank in the top 100 among small cities.
These results reflect years of investment in bike-friendly streets and trails. Communities across Wisconsin are improving safety, expanding mobility options, and strengthening quality of life for residents and visitors. Full rankings are available online.
| | WisDOT Seeks Public Input on Draft Freight Plan Engagement Strategy | |
WisDOT is seeking public input on the draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for the 2027 State Freight Plan. WisDOT updates the state's freight plan every four years to reflect Wisconsin’s freight needs and guide future investments that keep the state competitive.
The draft PIP, available here, outlines how WisDOT will gather feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders. Comments are open through Friday, July 17, 2026, and can be submitted by mail, email or phone:
Mail: Freight Program Officer, 4822 Madison Yards Way, S603.05, Madison, WI 53705
Email: freight@dot.wi.gov
Phone: 608-267-4541
This early outreach step helps ensure the final plan reflects the needs of freight users across Wisconsin. The State Freight Plan is required under federal law and shapes the long-term vision for the state’s multimodal freight network.
| | Congress Faces Packed Agenda and Limited Time for Surface Transportation Reauthorization
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The House adjourned on June 25 without taking significant action on its five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, which passed the T&I Committee in late May. The House is scheduled to return on July 13, and several steps required to advance the legislation remain incomplete.
It is not clear whether Chairman Graves has fully briefed the Republican Conference on the bill. The Ways and Means Committee has not yet determined whether its members support the proposed registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles or other funding measures. House leadership has also not resolved disagreements related to railroad safety provisions added during committee consideration.
The House is scheduled to be in session for only a dozen days between now and Labor Day due to the August recess, and just three weeks remain between lawmakers’ return from the Labor Day recess and the end of the fiscal year. That leaves little time to complete committee work, process amendments, schedule floor debate, and hold a vote. On June 15, a coalition of more than 100 organizations sent a letter to House leaders urging advancement of the BUILD America 250 Act.
The Senate has not yet released its surface transportation reauthorization proposal.
Congress’s broader agenda also complicates timing. In addition to the surface transportation bill, lawmakers are looking to clear the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, consider a potential budget resolution that could enable another reconciliation bill, and pass FY 2027 appropriations bills or a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the November elections. These items are expected to be higher priorities for congressional leadership than the surface transportation reauthorization bill.
The current surface transportation authorization measure expires Sept. 30.
| | 2025 Wisconsin Tourism Numbers Break Records | | |
Wisconsin’s tourism industry reached another all-time high in 2025, generating $27 billion in total economic impact, or about $74 million per day. This surpasses the previous record of $25.8 billion set in 2024 and marks the fourth straight year of growth.
Key 2025 results include:
- 117.9 million visits, an increase of 3.5 million over 2024
- $1.7 billion returned to state and local governments through tourism-related tax revenue
- 183,000 jobs supported statewide
Major events helped drive the surge. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh drew 704,000 attendees from 94 countries, and the NFL Draft brought national attention and visitors to Green Bay. Travel Wisconsin also expanded advertising into 14 Midwestern markets in the summer of 2025, generating $148 in visitor spending for every $1 invested.
Wisconsin’s tourism strength relies on the roads, highways, and transportation system that enable visitors to experience our state. As the tourism economy expands, the need for consistent, long‑term investment in the network that supports this growth becomes even more important.
| | Alexander Field Lands FAA Grant for Terminal Modernization | | |
South Wood County Airport–Alexander Field has landed a new FAA grant to modernize its terminal, a major step toward strengthening the airport’s infrastructure and improving service for pilots, passengers, and the region’s aviation community. With planning and design already underway and construction expected in 2027, the project marks a significant investment in the future of central Wisconsin air travel.
Read More
| Town of Jefferson Awarded Nearly $2 Million Grant for Will Road Upgrades | |
The Town of Jefferson is moving forward with a long‑needed reconstruction of Will Road, backed by funding from the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP). See how this project will improve safety, support local farms, and strengthen a key rural corridor.
Read More
| | Thank You to Our 2026 Organizational Sponsors | | |
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation welcomes its many partners in traffic safety from across the state and nation to the Governor's Conference on Highway Safety.
This year's event will be held on August 24-25 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.
To register, visit topslab.wisc.edu/gchs
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The Wisconsin Airport Management Association will hold the 70th annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC) on Oct. 26-28 at the Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells.
Looking to attend? Details and registration information are available here.
More information is available for those interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring the event.
| | If you would like TDA to consider including your organization's update or event in an upcoming newsletter, please forward information to Luke Pearson at luke.pearson@tdawisconsin.org. | |
Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin10 East Doty Street, Suite 201 | Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-7044 | general@tdawisconsin.org
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