Using innovative practices, the SW Region completed one of the state’s largest projects in a single construction season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 4, 2023
Contact: Deb Schwerman (608) 698-4510
Madison – The Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Southwest Region received the 2023 State Asphalt Award for advancing innovation in asphalt pavements. WisDOT was recognized at a ceremony during WAPA’s 64th Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells.
Earlier this year, WisDOT began work to repair the 30-year-old pavement and adjacent ramps on the US 18/151 corridor in Dane County from Mount Horeb to Verona.
The project required nearly 200,000 tons of asphalt, including 60,000 tons of SMA, to resurface the corridor’s 48 lane miles (12 miles of four-lane divided highway) and 6 interchanges (an additional 10 lane miles) of existing concrete pavement.
The Region was innovative in breaking the project into two large 6-mile stages and allowed long-term permanent lane closures in the active stage. They also allowed work in the second stage to be constructed under nightly lane closures. The less restrictive nature of the lane closures, working hours and staging was critical in completing this project in a single construction season with the vast majority being done during normal daytime hours.
“As one of the largest resurfacing projects in the state, it would not have been possible to deliver these critical pavement improvements in one construction season without the collaborative effort of the entire team and the foresight the Region had when putting this project together,” said Deb Schwerman, WAPA Executive Director. “We commend the Region’s dedication to building high-quality asphalt pavements and working efficiently to benefit Wisconsin’s travelers and taxpayers.”
Project Manager Cody Kammerzelt accepted the award on behalf of WisDOT’s Southwest Region.
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“Asphalt. Wisconsin rides on us.” Established in 1948, WAPA is a statewide, non-profit organization representing the interests of the asphalt industry on a wide range of issues related to pavement design, construction, maintenance, specifications, costs, marketing, and policy at the local, state, and federal levels. WAPA’s mission is to promote quality asphalt pavements that are safe, sustainable, durable, and cost-effective.
For more information, please visit www.wispave.org or contact Deb at deb@wispave.org