MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers celebrated a $12.5 million federal grant received by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to upgrade road safety, expand truck parking by 280 percent, and modernize two safety rest areas along the I-43 corridor between Green Bay and Manitowoc. The investment, through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program, comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding request was strongly advocated for by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin).

The project will reconstruct the 44-year-old safety rest areas near Maribel Rest Area 51 and Denmark Rest Area 52 to modernize pavement to accommodate forecasted increased vehicle volume, add 72 commercial truck parking spaces across the two facilities, and make both facilities fully ADA compliant, including the addition of universal changing stations.

“Thanks to Sen. Baldwin’s leadership, we were able to secure this critical investment to improve safety and accessibility in Northeast Wisconsin and support the trucking industry, which delivers the goods and services Wisconsinites depend on,” said Gov. Evers. “As the use of the I-43 corridor continues to grow, this is an investment in our state’s future, and we’re thrilled to have Sen. Baldwin’s support on this project.”

“I-43 is vital for our businesses to get their products on shelves and connects communities across Eastern Wisconsin,” said Sen. Baldwin. “After decades of heavy use, the outdated and deteriorating infrastructure isn’t up to par. That’s why I fought to secure this investment, reconstructing an important resource for truckers, helping ensure that goods get to market on time, and keeping Wisconsin drivers safe on our roads.”

“Our safety rest areas are vital resources for the trucking industry and travelers alike,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “These facility upgrades will not only provide a safer, more welcoming environment for tourists, truckers, and commuters, they will meet the modern demands of the traveling public, which is crucial for safety and economic growth.”

Key public benefits from this project include:

- Addressing roadway deficiencies, including pavement deterioration, ramp shoulders, and beam guard;

- Significantly increasing commercial motor vehicle parking capacity by adding 72 commercial truck parking spaces;

- Increasing high mast lighting in commercial motor vehicle parking lot to enhance personal security for truck drivers;

- Modernizing the facilities and sites, including restroom facilities, ADA accessibility, and pedestrian access; and

- Adding an oversize-overweight staging area to support trucks hauling oversized loads.

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, Wisconsin is seeing historic investments in improving statewide infrastructure. According to the White House, as of March 2024, more than $6 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been announced and is headed to Wisconsin with over 500 specific projects identified for funding. Based on formula funding, Wisconsin is also expected to receive approximately $5.4 billion over five years in federal funding specifically for highways and bridges. This is a once-in-a-generation investment that will go a long way in the state’s efforts to build the 21st-century infrastructure Wisconsinites need and deserve.