Awards
Note: Click any image below to view a full-size version.
Best rural design by WisDOT
US 141, Crivitz (Marinette County) - Northeast Region
This portion of US 141 was ranked in the top 5% of safety concerns for similar highways throughout Wisconsin, specifically with a pattern of left turning and rear-end crashes that resulted in injuries. The design converted a four-lane undivided roadway to a three-lane roadway with a center two-way left turn lane, which preserves access and avoids widening, while reducing conflict points. Its implementation is due largely to extensive public involvement with local leaders and members of the community.
Best rural design by a consultant
US 8, Monico to Laona (Forest County) – North Central Region and JT Engineering
Through innovation and collaboration, this portion of US 8 has been transformed into a safer, more efficient corridor. Spanning from Crandon to Laona and crossing Tribal lands, the project upgraded intersections, refined alignments, and preserved cultural heritage, delivering a modern highway that honors its past while connecting communities for generations to come.
Best urban design by a consultant
US 14, Westby (Vernon County) – Southwest Region and KL Engineering
This project reimagined Westby’s main street, transforming a deteriorated high-volume highway into a safer, more connected urban corridor. Through extensive stakeholder collaboration, innovative freight accommodation, and strategic staging, the project is expected to improve safety, mobility, and pedestrian access, while enhancing downtown character and business vitality.
Best structure design by WisDOT
Wis 38, Root River Bridge (Racine County) – Bureau of Structures and Southeast Region
This project delivered an innovative single-span structure. The design minimized environmental impacts and overcame complex site, hydraulic and utility constraints. The new bridge is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve safety while providing lasting community value.
Best structure design by WisDOT - Honorable mention
Wis 136, Village of Rock Springs (Sauk County) – Southwest Region, Bureau of Structures and Bureau of Technical Services
The slopes between Wis 136 and the Baraboo River in the Village of Rock Springs were failing, causing the pavement to crack and slide into the river. This accelerated project was the result of collaboration among the region, Bureau of Structures, and Bureau of Technical Services. A new retaining wall was designed and built to stabilize the slope and allow for reconstruction of the damaged northbound lane of WIS 136.
Best structure design by a consultant
Rockledge Road (Manitowoc County) - Northeast Region and Ayres
While in many ways a routine bridge design, this project delivered precise plans and simple solutions. Coordination was completed to allow for winter construction, which resulted in competitive bidding and the final project ending under budget and on time.
Best local program design
Country Club Road (Brown County) – Northeast Region and Ayres Associates
This project integrated multimodal improvements, adding sidewalks and bike lanes to provide safer, more convenient access to neighborhoods and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Another significant issue was stormwater – its quantity and quality. This project used an innovative, cost-effective design to address these challenges in a constrained site by incorporating an underground detention system.