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Public information guidelines for transportation projects

Public information is an important component of transportation projects and studies. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has established some rules and best practices to clarify the roles and expectations of WisDOT staff and consultants handling public information activities for projects and studies. Consult this page periodically for updates. Additional guidance on public involvement can be found in Chapter 6 of the Facilities Development Manual (FDM).

Samples and templates

Various materials are used to provide information to the public about transportation projects and studies. This includes news releases, project newsletters/reports, public information meetings (PIM), correspondence and advertising. Some common materials are provided below as "best practice" examples. Additional examples will be posted as they become available. In some cases, templates are provided. The templates have been established as the preferred format for certain types of communications.

NOTE: Most documents below are in Word format .

Additional resources

• List of Regional Communications Managers (RCMs)
• Mega projects guidelines, Public involvement best practices
• Timeline for public meeting deliverables (Microsoft Word 2007 file)
  • Public involvement plan template
  • Public involvement plan instructions
  • Public involvement project messages template
• WisDOT graphic identity standards
• WisDOT style guide

News releases

• Template for lettings
• Sample for lettings
• Template construction start
• Sample construction start
• Template traffic advisory
• Sample advisory for planned maintenance
• Sample for project complete
• Sample advisory for early completion of work
• Sample advisory for bridge inspection
• Sample advisory for special event
• Sample for local project

Newsletters

• Template newsletter/report in Word
• Template newsletter/report in Publisher (Microsoft Publisher file, 808 KB)
• Sample state corridor studies newsletter
• Sample state project newsletter (1.1 MB)
• Sample state project newsletter
• Sample local project newsletter

Public information meetings

• Template news release
• Sample news release
• Template citizen invitation letter
• Sample citizen invitation letter
• Sample invitation postcard
• Sample citizen invitation flyer
• Sample meeting rescheduled postcard
• Template local official invitation letter
• Sample local official invitation
• Sample handout
• Sample information handout
• Sample roundabout handout (991 KB)
• Sample "Getting Around" guide

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
WisDOT Library, library@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: May 1, 2013