WisDOT SE Region Earns Road Building Recognition

For Rehabilitation Work on Marquette Interchange Perpetual Pavement Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 1, 2020
Contact: Brandon Strand (608) 255-3114

Madison – The Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southeast Region was the recipient of the 2020 State Award for advancing innovation in asphalt pavements. The Region was recognized today at a virtual ceremony during the association’s 61st Annual Conference held online.

The Marquette Interchange is the heart of Wisconsin’s transportation system and the backbone for distributing people and commerce throughout the state. It is estimated that 50 percent of the state’s residents and 60 percent of its major industries use the Milwaukee area freeways.

The Marquette Interchange was the largest construction project in the history of Wisconsin and after 14 years it was time for the initial perpetual asphalt pavement to be removed and replaced.

Due to reduced traffic volumes as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions, WisDOT allowed for full system lane and ramp closures and the anticipated 15 night work schedule was completed in just 5 nights of paving which achieved both quality and minimal impact to the traveling public.

“With perpetual pavement designs, asphalt roads can be built to last while saving money on initial construction costs and low future taxes with quicker, easier maintenance,” said Brandon Strand, Executive Director for WAPA. “It’s the most cost-effective way to ensure high level of smooth, safe drivability that roadway users want on highways with minimal inconvenience.”

“We commend the region, and the entire department, for innovatively designing and maintaining our roads to ensure cost-savings without sacrificing pavement performance,” Strand concluded.

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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, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

For more information, please visit www.wispave.org or contact us at info@wispave.org