MADISON, WI — Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 461, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 104, into law which significantly expands the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) authority to use alternative contracting methods, moving beyond the state's traditional design-bid-build model to possibly accelerate construction and create better value for taxpayers.
The new law transitions WisDOT from using a pilot program to implementing a permanent framework, allowing WisDOT teams to use innovative contracting methods such as design-build on a broader scale. By pairing design engineers and construction teams at the beginning of a project, WisDOT can streamline timelines, foster innovation, and address complex infrastructure challenges more efficiently.
“We have seen the success of our initial pilot projects, such as the WIS 130 bridge replacements in Lone Rock, where design-build helped us manage complex environmental and schedule constraints," WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We applaud Governor Evers for signing this legislation, and we look forward to better collaboration with our industry partners to deliver safe, reliable infrastructure across every corner of the state."
Key highlights of the new law include:
- Expansion of design-build: Removes the previous six-project limit established under the 2019 pilot program, allowing WisDOT to select the most efficient delivery method for a wider variety of state highway projects
- Increased budget flexibility: Authorizes WisDOT to choose alternative delivery methods for projects up to $300 million per fiscal biennium
- Focus on innovation: Encourages contractors to propose creative engineering solutions that can lower costs or improve project durability
- Standardized selection process: Implements a technical review committee and qualifications-based selection process that aligns with federal regulations
| Your local Komatsu America Corp dealer |
|---|
| Road Machinery and Supplies Company |
Nationally, alternative project delivery can allow for faster project delivery, increased collaboration with industry partners for creative and cost-effective methods, and strengthened overall project quality and continuity. This streamlined process enables WisDOT to continue to deliver infrastructure improvements more efficiently. This provides opportunities to minimize construction impacts and accelerate project delivery on suitable projects.
