long-range plan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has formally adopted and released a new 20-year, long-range plan, called Connections 2030. The plan provides a vision for highways, local roads, air, water, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and transit through the year 2030.

According to WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi, the plan’s policies and recommendations will direct WisDOT’s activities in areas such as preserving roads and bridges, promoting transit and other services and supporting economic growth.

“Our efforts over the next 20 years will focus on maintaining and enhancing Wisconsin’s transportation system to support the state’s future mobility and economic growth,” Busalacchi said. “Since no single entity has authority over the entire transportation system, implementing the plan will take coordination and cooperation among many interests and business areas, including the federal government, local governments, tribes, transportation providers and the private sector.”

Dozens of public meetings and hearings were held during the development of Connections 2030 and hundreds of individual comments were received, evaluated and acknowledged.

The plan addresses a number of challenges. For example, while the transportation infrastructure is aging, the transportation system will experience increased use in coming years. At the same time, the system’s needs continue to exceed available resources.

For more information on Connections 2030, including copies of the executive summary, full plan and corridor maps, log onto the Connections 2030 Web site at www.wiconnections2030.gov or call (608) 266-8108.