Spring in Wisconsin means road construction season is right around the corner. For many of us that brings to mind orange barrels, reduced speed limits, detours, and delays. It can be frustrating, but those orange barrels also mean that better roads are on the way.

One of the most common things I hear when I host a listening session or attend an EMS pancake breakfast is, “we need to invest more in our roads.” Roads are one of the few truly nonpartisan issues. No matter where you live, everyone wants better roads. They are essential to our economy, important to the health of our vehicles, and give us confidence when we are getting where we need to go.

That is why I am happy to share some good news. This year, road projects are underway across southern and southwestern Wisconsin. In the 17th Senate District alone, nine state projects will be under construction this summer, along with dozens of local projects supported by state funding. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) has work happening in every county in the 17th Senate District. This summer, you will see crews in communities like Blanchardville, Brodhead, Dodgeville, and Ferryville, as well as along stretches of Highway 151 near Blue Mounds and Dickeyville. You can see the full list of projects in the DOT’s southwestern district here.

These improvements are possible because of a historic level of investment in our recent budgets. In our most recent bipartisan state budget, we committed $1.3 billion in new money to roads and bridges across Wisconsin. We used one-time money to pay cash for projects to keep borrowing low. We increased General Transportation Aid (GTA) for local governments, and boosted routine maintenance funding to assist with plowing roads in the winter and minor repairs. We also renewed the popular Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) and Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). These programs have helped communities in every county in the 17th Senate District make significant improvements to the roads we travel and use to transport goods.

Everyone in Wisconsin can agree on the importance of quality roads. As I drive around the 17th Senate District this summer, I will try not to complain about the detours and barricades because I know that better roads are on the other side of the construction. Join me in giving our hard-working crews a friendly wave, slowing down and driving safely in work zones, and recognizing the progress we are making on our roads.

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.