Transportation Improvement Conference Agenda

Session Descriptions, Speakers and More

Please use this page to learn more about the sessions at the 2025 Transportation Improvement Conference. Each session has a title, description and speaker. Full attendance is eligible for 7.5 PDHs if attending all sessions (including the ethics pre-session).

Tuesday, March 4

Ethics (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Speaker: TBD

TBD

Learning Objectives:

Registration & Lunch (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Emerging Professionals Lunch (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Emerging professionals (those in the first third of their careers) are invited to discuss any topics in a small group environment. This is your opportunity to talk to others along the same career path and make lasting connections.

Opening Session (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.)

Speakers: TBD

Hear from the leaders in transportation in Wisconsin and learn about upcoming initiatives from each organization.

Learning Objectives:

Review transportation achievements from WisDOT and FHWA over the past year.
Gain insight into the year ahead.
Discover how consultants and government can collaborate to achieve transportation wins.

Breakout Sessions A (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

A1. Endangered Species
Speaker: Jeremy Kloss, WisDOT

Attendees should attend this session so they can learn about the exciting developments in electrification that are going to be occurring in Wisconsin and nationwide over the next few years as the NEVI dollars are implemented here in Wisconsin via the WEVI program. Given that this an emerging topic that is constantly evolving, attendees will be able to have a better understanding of how WEVI/NEVI funding will enhance and transform the transportation system of the state and the country.

Learning Objectives:

Gain an understanding of trends involving EV registration and publicly available charging stations in Wisconsin.
Learn about a comprehensive walkthrough of the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Program, including regulatory and program requirements and how the projects will be implemented.
Discover other updates on Electrification in transportation.

A2. I-41, STH 96 to CTH F Project Update
Speakers: Scott Ebel & Bryan Learst, WisDOT

I-41 is a 23-mile reconstruction project which includes adding a third travel lane in each direction to address congestion and crash-rate concerns throughout the corridor. The project also includes the reconstruction of 10 service interchanges and one system interchange at WIS 441. 2024 marked the first year of construction with mainline construction work to begin early 2025. This session will provide an overview of the following topics

Overall Design Status
Status of project noise barriers
Upcoming Construction and Staging updates
Utility Coordination in design and construction
Real Estate Acquisition progress
Project implementation of the revised Community Sensitive Design policy
Municipal and County Coordination Highlights

Learning Objectives:

Review project current design status.
Discuss how the project is approaching community sensitive design.
Share how construction on the project is proceeding and what work is coming up next year.

A3. Safe Systems Approach in the City of Milwaukee
Speakers: Jesse Jefferson, City of Milwaukee

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the Safe Systems Approach to road safety, focusing on its application within the City of Milwaukee. Participants will learn about the core principles of Safe Systems, including safe road users, safe vehicles, safe infrastructure, safe speeds, and post-crash care. Through real-world examples, case studies, and current efforts in Milwaukee, this course will demonstrate how a holistic, multi-faceted strategy can reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the Key Principles of the Safe Systems Approach
Analyze Traffic Safety Challenges in Milwaukee
Evaluate the Role of Infrastructure and Design in Road Safety
Learn about Speed Management and Policy Strategies

A4. Drone Use
Speakers: Nick Becker, EMCS & Jesse Jefferson, City of Milwaukee

Many residents are concerned about speeding, distracted driving and reckless driving in their communities. The need becomes even more important when more focus is placed on walking, biking, and transit. There are several tools available to explore that can provide possible solutions based on the data collected, context of the location, and the desired result. This session will discuss the evolution of traffic calming in the City of Milwaukee and its documented benefits. Several recent projects will be shared along with unique design details to give attendees a better sense of how effectively each installation meets their goals.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the background and need for traffic calming measures.
Learn about design elements that reduce traffic speeds.
Discover real life examples in the City of Milwaukee and lessons learned.

A5. Madison East-West Bus Rapid Transit
Speakers: Mike Cechvala & Tom Lynch, City of Madison; Jeff Held, Strand Associates; Michael Scheneider, AECOM

The City of Madison's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route opened in September 2024, spanning 15 miles and 31 stations across the isthmus from a park and ride on Junction Road, through the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) campus, downtown Madison, and to the East Towne Mall area. The $194.25 million project includes 9.5 miles of exclusive bus-only transit lanes, 46 60-foot articulated battery electric buses, a new 87-space Junction Road Park and Ride facility, on-route and depot electric bus chargers, and two bus operator comfort facilities. Tom Lynch, City of Madison Director of Transportation, and Mike Cechvala, Madison Metro Capital Projects Manager, will be discussing the history and need of the project, the planning and coordination that went into it, and the outcome it has had on the City of Madison. Michael Schneider, AECOM Project Manager, and Jeff Held, Strand Traffic Lead, will discuss the traffic analysis, environmental reviews, and design challenges and opportunities for the corridor.

Learning Objectives:

Summarize City of Madison’s enhanced transit history and the East-West BRT project’s purpose and need.
Explain the complex planning, outreach, design, and coordination required for the City of Madison to deliver a project of this magnitude.
Comprehend the traffic analysis scope and outcomes, and how that relates to the constructed BRT running way.
Describe the basics of a bus rapid transit project, including bus only lanes, enhanced amenities, and improved boarding efficiencies, as well as design challenges and opportunities specific to the East-West BRT project.

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Breakout Sessions B (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

B1. Environmental Justice
Speakers: Dominique Bechle, Steve Porter & David Staab, WisDOT

WisDOT is replacing one of Wisconsin’s most important corridor interstate highway bridges IH 39/90/94 over the Wisconsin River in Columbia County. Learn about the challenges the team faced in developing the structure design. Shifting sandbars and difficult foundation conditions required extra design efforts. Construction is scheduled for 2024.

Learning Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the freight/OSOW permitting process.
Understand the design and check vehicle accommodation requirements per the FDM.
Provide project examples of freight/OSOW accommodation.

B2. I-94 East/West
Speakers: Joe Gallamore & David Pittman, WisDOT

Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) Southeast Region initiated the Lake Interchange Study in 2022 in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The study is evaluating concepts for the I-794 corridor between the Milwaukee River and the Hoan Bridge. This stretch of I-794 connects Milwaukee’s freeway system to downtown Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee’s Lakefront, Port Milwaukee and communities along the north shore and south shore. The purpose of the study is to address deteriorating infrastructure in a manner that improves safety and operations on I-794 generally from the Milwaukee River to the Hoan Bridge, while also striving to enhance community connectivity and compatibility with local plans and development.

WisDOT hosted the first set of open house public involvement meetings in August of 2023. The meetings were attended by over 800 people and nearly 2000 comment forms were completed by interested parties. WisDOT is using the feedback received and further analysis to refine the initial nine design concepts presented and advance at least one alternative from each concept group: Replace In Kind, Freeway Improvement and Freeway Removal. The environmental review process is anticipated to be complete in 2025, and will identify a preferred alternative. Following the completion of the environmental document, the project will move into final design and construction pending funding availability.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about the history of the Lake Interchange.
Introduce the Lake Interchange that we know today and learn about what it could look like in the future.
Discuss how stakeholder interest and engagement is shaping the approach to the LIC study and NEPA documentation.

B3. RR Coordination
Speakers: Andrew Heidtke & Chris Squires, WisDOT

In this session, attendees can expect to learn about the requirements for maintaining access and mobility for venerable road users in work zones. Topics covered will include strategies for maintaining access and mobility, devices that can be used with those strategies, and items to include in the temporary traffic control plans. The content will be based on the most recent updates to the Wisconsin Transportation Management Plan System and the Wisconsin Facilities Development Manual.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will demonstrate an understanding of what the requirements are for maintaining accessibility and mobility in a work zone.
Attendees will identify the various strategies available for maintaining access and mobility for vulnerable road users.
Attendees will learn the steps in developing a temporary traffic control plan that incorporates strategies for maintaining access and mobility for vulnerable road users.

B4. FDM Chapter 6
Speaker: Michael Helmrick & Lisa Lumley, WisDOT

This session will provide a high-level overview of environmental updates related to: a new cultural resources programmatic agreement for streamlined coordination, latest environmental document templates, and provide a glimpse of what’s coming related to stream evaluation considerations on transportation projects.

Learning Objectives:

Enhanced understanding about what the new Section 106 Programmatic Agreement means for cultural resource coordination.
Revisions to the environmental document templates will be showcased to highlight key updates.
Stay abreast on changes to WisDOT environmental policy and procedural changes by signing up on list-serve for improved information sharing.
Understand how the U.S. Army Corps’ Steam Mitigation Procedures is changing WisDOT’s stream impact evaluation process.

B5. Trans 220
Speakers: Pat Hawley, raSmith; Brian Roper & Heather Sackman, WisDOT

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes a new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) to reduce transportation emissions. Given that WisDOT Southeast Region is responsible for the operation of over 500 traffic signals in seven counties, one CRP strategy would be improving signalization. Dubbed the Wisconsin Signal Timing Optimization Project (WISTOP), this comprehensive effort will provide great benefit to all roadway users with both signal retiming and intersection infrastructure upgrades.

Learning Objectives:

Develop a basic understanding of proven strategies applied for decades to signal operations.
Understand the evolution of traffic signal funding from the 1980s to the present.
Describe the key activities encompassed by the Wisconsin Signal Timing Optimization Project (WISTOP).

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Networking Reception, Dinner and Design Awards (5:00 - 9:00 p.m.)

Wind down after the day and meet other attendees. Dinner will be served and each attendee will receive a drink ticket. Then, we'll celebrate the WisDOT Design Awards together before continuing the networking experience. It's a great way to close the first day!

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Wednesday, March 5

Breakfast Buffet (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)

Breakout Sessions C (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)

C1. Environmental Updates
Speakers: Dominique Bechle, Steve Porter & David Staab, WisDOT

Learning Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the freight/OSOW permitting process.
Understand the design and check vehicle accommodation requirements per the FDM.
Provide project examples of freight/OSOW accommodation.

C2. WisDOT Design-Build Development Update
Speakers: Christine Krall & Ben Thompson, WisDOT

Get the latest WisDOT design-build projects! We will highlight the design-build procurement steps that consultants lead as part of the DB team. Additionally, get the latest update on the Minnesota led Blatnik design-build project. Includes general design build training, 2025 schedule for DB projects and Blatnik update.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will be able to summarize current design-build program developments.
Attendees will be able to identify WisDOT future design-build projects and the project characteristics.
Attendees will be able to summarize the open ended performance plan that will be included in future design-build projects.

C3. Passenger Rail
Speakers: Jesse Jefferson, City of Milwaukee

Learning Objectives:

Understand the Key Principles of the Safe Systems Approach
Analyze Traffic Safety Challenges in Milwaukee
Evaluate the Role of Infrastructure and Design in Road Safety
Learn about Speed Management and Policy Strategies

C4. In a Roundabout Way – FDM 11-26 Updates and STH 54 Compact Roundabouts
Speaker: Jesse Hansen & Van Walling, WisDOT; Amanda DeAmico, MSA Professional Services; Kevin Kuhlow & Phil Verville III, Ayres Associates

There’s always something new to learn about roundabouts! Join us in seeing what’s changed in FDM 11-26 and in learning about the first compact roundabouts on the Wisconsin state highway system.

WisDOT recently revised FDM 11-26 Roundabouts to include updated guidance and align with new national roundabout guidelines published in NCHRP 1043. This presentation will provide an overview of the changes.

The first compact roundabouts on the Wisconsin state highway system were recently constructed on STH 54 within the City of Seymour. This presentation will discuss the selection of compact roundabouts to improve safety and operational issues at two closely spaced intersections within an urban area.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about the recent updates to FDM 11-26 Roundabouts.
Learn about the benefits of compact roundabouts including improved safety, traffic calming, reduced real estate impacts, reduced environmental impacts, and reduced costs.
Learn about the difference between traditional roundabouts and compact roundabouts.
Learn why compact roundabouts were the best solution for the project.

C5. Value Management Principles and the Wisconsin VE Program
Speakers: Dan Tyler, WisDOT & Amanda Zacharias, Benesch

Maybe you’ve heard about Value Engineering studies, or dread having to do one on your project. Don’t despair: many people find VE beneficial. In this session, we’ll introduce the principles of Value Management. We’ll describe what sets VE apart from other methods: the 8-phase VE job plan and function analysis. We’ll also provide an overview of the WisDOT VE program specifically, so your project not just meets its requirements but also finds improved function or lower costs.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding of the basic principles of Value Management
Description of functions and function analysis
Overview of the SAVE International 8 phase job plan
Overview of the Wisconsin VE Program and FHWA Requirements

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Breakout Sessions D (9:45 - 10:45 a.m.)

D1. ArcGIS Hub
Speakers: Jacob Friberg, Cooper Engineering & Dan Sydow, Ayres Associates

Learn about the design and construction of Wisconsin’s first Steel Press Brake Formed Tub Girder (PBFTG) Bridge – the Town of Barron 15th Avenue Yellow River Bridge. This innovative bridge solution allows ease of delivery, accelerated construction, and minimal maintenance. B-3-217 was completed in June 2023 in Barron County.

Learn about Eau Claire County’s use of the InQuik bridge system for a fast and cost-effective bridge replacement option. The InQuik Bridge System was used in Wisconsin as a first in the country new bridge solution. The use of modular bridge stay-in-place forms combined with cast in place concrete allows for a cost-effective bridge replacement option that can be built faster and by a wider range of labor resources.

Learning Objectives:

Learn what an InQuik and Steel Press Brake Formed Tub Girder (PBFTG) bridge system is.

Learn about the design and construction of two first in the state bridges innovations.

Learn where it makes sense to use the InQuik or Steel PBFTG Bridge.

D2. TDM in Megas

Learn about the design and construction aspects of the Zoo Interchange North Leg. The trials, tribulations, and triumphs that design and construction had to go through to deliver and build one of the largest in-house design projects in Wisconsin history.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about the project and its uncommon design aspects.

Understand the complex partnering and coordination efforts.

Review how WisDOT partnered with FHWA.

D3. Smart Work Zones
Speakers: Erin Schwark, WisDOT

The session will provide attendees a background of smart work zones and how they are used in Wisconsin. The session will cover the different systems used in WI, which consist of end of queue detection and dynamic late merge systems, review the different components required for each unique system and the benefits for improving safety for the traveling public and workers.

Learning Objectives:

Learn what a smart work zone is.
Review how a smart work zone operates.
Discover how smart work zones can be implemented in construction to improve work zone safety.

D4. Innovative Intersections in Action
Speakers: Andrew Rowell, Ayres Associates & Joe Zellmer, Outagamie County Highway Department

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified several intersection types as Innovative Intersections. This session will discuss a few real examples of innovative intersection that have been successful in reducing crashes and improving traffic operations in the NE Region.

Learning Objectives:

Identify innovative intersection types that may address safety and/or capacity issues along the state highway system.
Evaluate intersection alternatives to determine the best suited option for a specific location.
Explain to elected officials and stakeholders why this intersection type is ideal for that location.

D5. BIM for Infrastructure TPF at WisDOT
Speakers: Joe Benner, Michael Baker & Steve Popke, WisDOT

WisDOT is one of 21 states participating in the AASHTO Transportation Pooled Fund Study on BIM for Infrastructure (TPF5-480). This presentation will provide a summary of the current study activities, future tasks and goals, and how WisDOT intends to use the tools provided to move forward in BIM and digital delivery.

The project is developing a Clearinghouse and Guidebook for implementation of BIM for Infrastructure. A data dictionary, Information Delivery Manual (IDM), and Information Delivery Specification (IDS) are also being developed for the Roadway Design to Construction and Digital As-Built exchanges. The project is currently in Year 2 of a 5 Year contract.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the objectives of the AASHTO BIM for Infrastructure Pooled Fund.
Identify key deliverables being developed to advance the industry.
Learn how WisDOT intends to use the tools developed in the study.

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Protecting America’s Infrastructure (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Speaker: Michael Hensle, FBI

As Civil Engineers, much of your time and effort is comprised of designing and constructing infrastructure used by the general public that is vital to our everyday lives. This course will give you an insight as to how important this infrastructure is and how the FBI works to keep it safe.

Learning Objectives:

Discover background on the Federal Bureau of Investigation on a national and local level.
Understand what the FBI monitors on a regular basis to ensure the safety of our infrastructure.
Review examples of past attempts to dismantle or hack our infrastructure.