Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), celebrate the announcement of two $25 million grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, which is funded through the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The federal investment supports the state Highway 47 and state Highway 55 improvement project on the Menominee Reservation, as well as the National Avenue Complete Streets project in Milwaukee. The program supports surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact that are difficult to fund through other programs.
“These projects build on the momentum of the meaningful investments we’ve made in recent years to upgrade our aging infrastructure, reduce reckless driving and improve road safety in Wisconsin,” Evers said. “This investment allows us to support all transportation users and improve the quality of life in historically underserved communities. The upgrades will keep pedestrians and transit riders safer in Milwaukee and address the infrastructure and safety needs of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.”
DOT is partnering with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to resurface nearly 40 miles of road and replace about 100 culverts. Road improvements include safety features such as guardrail upgrades, center line rumble strips, shoulder widening and 6-inch pavement marking, as well as the relocation of a pull-off area near Markton. The project will also add multimodal improvements near Neopit, including lighting, curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and sidewalk replacements.
The highways serve as the primary connections between the rural Menominee Nation and north central Wisconsin, playing a vital role in economic development and facilitating tourism to the region, but this infrastructure is aging and requires frequent repairs.
“The National Avenue and Menominee Nation projects improve mobility, connectivity and safety for two communities whose current infrastructure conditions limit their economic opportunities,” DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We sought feedback from residents and developed unique designs that will transform and modernize services to support the different needs of these urban and rural areas.”
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