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The Connector — April 2013

Note from the Secretary

By WisDOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb, P.E.

We recognize that the development and operation of our transportation system has significant impacts on our natural environment. These include the use of energy and other natural resources, land use changes, and impacts to air and water quality. As we observe Earth Week 2013, we'll describe a few of the initiatives that WisDOT is undertaking to ensure that we accomplish our mission in a way that minimizes environmental impacts and maximizes the efficient use of energy and natural resources.

Earth Week in April spotlights department's environmental stewardship

Earth Day falls on April 22 of each year. In 2013, Earth Week is being observed from April 21 through 27. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), as part of its everyday business, considers environmental impacts and encourages "green" strategies. We're profiling just a few — the use of recycled materials, green highway initiatives and the RIDESHARE travel program.

Recycled materials

With a proactive, goal-oriented recycling and reclaimed materials program, WisDOT is a state leader in recycling, with a program that includes road construction and maintenance, office equipment, fleet and building operations. The department-wide program supports WisDOT's vision, improves operational efficiency, benefits the environment and offers economic savings.

WisDOT has reclaimed, recycled, and reused materials in highway projects for years on construction projects. Increasing the use of recycled and reclaimed materials is a matter of policy and procedure, as requirements are in WisDOT Standard Specifications, effective for all contracts starting in January 2009. The department communicates within and outside of WisDOT the rationale and benefits of the program. Recycling materials helps solve problems by relieving shortages, extends landfill life and natural resources, and reduces air and water pollution.

In state fiscal year (SFY) 2012, 2.15 million tons of recycled materials were used on WisDOT projects. Materials that are typically reclaimed and recycled on road construction include:

• Crushed concrete
• Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)
• Roofing shingles — Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS)
• Coal combustion byproducts (including fly ash, bottom ash and hydrated fly ash)
• Slag
• Tire and tire rubber
• Glass cullet

WisDOT's goal is to increase the use of recycled materials in road construction where economic and engineering benefits are identified. Our commitment is measured through the MAPSS Performance Improvement Program, with tons of recycled materials used in projects one of the measures reported on the MAPSS Scorecard. While trending was down slightly in SFY 2012 compared to SFY11, the department will continue to work toward the goal to incorporate two million tons of recycled materials each year.

Green Highway

This goal lends to green highway initiatives. A "green highway" meets transportation requirements while applying stewardship to the environment, enhancing both. It is defined by the effort to leave the project area better than it was before, through community partnering, caring for the environment, and improving safety and functionality of the transportation network.

The root of the green highway partnership started in 2002, resulting from collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration. The scope of planning a green highway is expansive. It looks at every perspective that will be impacted by the construction of a highway. WisDOT incorporates sustainable elements into transportation project designs and encourages the use of recycled and reclaimed materials. There is also a successful rest stop recycling program at all Interstate rest areas and waysides that receive more than 1,000 vehicles per day, typically collecting aluminum cans, plastic, glass, newspapers and magazines.

Other characteristics of a green highway include identifying and protecting important historical and cultural landmarks, and reducing disruption to the ecological process.

Encouraging sustainable transportation project design helps reaffirm commitment to future generations, enhances quality of life and conserves natural resources.

RIDESHARE

Another program that WisDOT promotes — to encourage environmental awareness — is the RIDESHARE program. RIDESHARE brings commuters together for carpooling and bicycle commuting. It's a free service provided by the State of Wisconsin, serving all of Wisconsin and bordering counties in the neighboring states of Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The program serves individual commuters who drive, ride or bike, as well as employers to help improve air quality, reduce congestion and provide "green" alternative commuting options and programs.

During Earth Week from April 21 through 27, RIDESHARE has a "bike buddy" promotion taking place to match registrants to other bicyclists (receive a free reflective arm or leg bike band). There are currently over 500 registered bicyclists in the program. RIDESHARE "bike buddies" commute together by bicycling to work, thereby saving on gas and emissions, helping the environment and getting exercise. RIDESHARE information is on the WisDOT web site at www.rideshare.wi.gov.

Use caution in work zones

With about 450 state highway and bridge improvement projects scheduled across Wisconsin this construction season, drivers can expect to see plenty of orange barrels the next several months. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, and be especially alert for work zones. Construction projects that may impact travel include: work along I-94 between Hudson and Tomah; the second half of the Wisconsin River Bridge project in Columbia County; work along I-94, the Zoo Interchange and Hoan Bridge in the Milwaukee area, and work along US 41 in northeast Wisconsin. Travelers are encouraged to check the state’s 511 Travel Information System before hitting the road. As part of efforts to keep motorists and highway workers safe, traffic fines double in work zones. Last year, about 1,700 crashes occurred in Wisconsin work zones resulting in six deaths and over 730 injuries.

Adopt-a-Highway volunteers clearing litter from roads

Motorists are also being asked to keep an eye out for Wisconsin Adopt-a-Highway (AAH) program volunteers busy picking up a winter’s worth of trash along state roadways. Last year, Wisconsin AAH groups picked up some 180 tons of trash, making highways more attractive to travelers and saving taxpayers' dollars. There are currently more than 3,000 registered AAH groups in Wisconsin tasked with cleaning their assigned two-mile highway segment at least three times a year. There's always a need for more AAH volunteers. Of Wisconsin’s 11,800-miles of state and Interstate highways, some 3,600 miles are still available for "adoption."

Warmer weather means more motorcycles/mopeds on the roads

As spring temperatures warm, so does the urge for motorcyclists to head out on the highway. But operating any type of motorized bike requires special skills and equipment. Transportation safety officials strongly suggest that all motorcycle, scooter or moped operators take an appropriate-level safety course, and always wear safety gear. Many training sites offer classes for beginners, returning or advanced cycle operators. Car and truck drivers are asked to share the road and watch for motorcycles especially at intersections, and be careful not to turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. More information on training classes and motorcycle safety can be found on the WisDOT web site.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's MAPSS Performance Dashboard reviews five key goal areas and over-arching performance measures that guide us in achieving our mission. To check out the latest 2012 MAPSS Performance Dashboard Report, simply click on the MAPSS logo.

The WisDOT Connector is produced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Connect with us at opa.exec@dot.wi.gov or www.dot.wisconsin.gov

Questions about the content of this page:
Office of Public Affairs, opa.exec@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: April 24, 2013