Transportation Planning Process

WisDOT is responsible for both short- and long-term multimodal planning. Project identification is an iterative process that begins with a needs analysis completed by the central WisDOT office. WisDOT regional planning sections review the analysis and develop a range of alternatives. "Backbone" projects are ranked using a comprehensive prioritization process focused on safety and life-cycle cost estimates. These projects are approved by a statewide peer review process. In this process, WisDOT works closely with MPOs to coordinate transportation planning in metropolitan areas. Significant capacity expansion projects have an added layer of analysis, identified in the state administrative code, and require legislative approval.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The main role of the Legislature is to review and approve study and construction projects that require significant capacity expansion, per Wis. Stat. Ann. §13.489. The review is performed largely by the Transportation Projects Commission with recommendations from WisDOT. The commission is a governor-led joint legislative body composed of legislators and three citizen members; the secretary of transportation is a nonvoting member. Projects then are approved by the full Legislature. The Legislature also approves overall funding levels in the biennial budget process.