5 Things You Need to Know About the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Right Now
* The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is launching a major road construction season earlier than usual this year, starting March 15 in southern counties to fix potholes and repave highways before summer traffic peaks.
* A new digital vehicle registration renewal system, set to go live on April 1, allows residents to skip the DMV line by using a mobile app that scans license plates and processes payments in under 60 seconds.
* WisDOT just announced a $50 million grant program specifically for rural communities to repair aging bridges and culverts, with applications opening May 1 to prevent emergency closures that stranded drivers last winter.
* Starting June 1, all state-owned rest areas will offer free public Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations as part of a pilot project to boost travel safety and reduce idling on I-94 and I-39 corridors.
* The department is hiring 200 new seasonal maintenance workers for snow removal and highway cleanups this year, offering $25 per hour starting wage and on-the-job training to address staffing shortages from 2023.