Travel Midwest News Items

Contracted crews with the Indiana Department of Transportation are scheduled to begin mowing, litter pick-up and herbicide application later this month into early May as part of the agency's multi-faceted roadside management program. Operations will take place throughout the spring and summer along Indiana's more than 11,200 miles of state roads.

Mowing
INDOT performs mowing to maximize safety, improve sight distance and manage roadside vegetation. Crews are required to mow 15 feet from the edge of the paved roadway, including around signs, ITS (intelligent transportation system) structures, guardrail and cable barrier. Mowing cycles are scheduled based upon geographic location, weather and route type (urban, rural, etc.)

Litter pick-up
Litter pick-up includes removal of trash and debris in state right-of-way. Last year, over 8,500 tons of litter was picked up along state roads. This effort is also supported through other INDOT programs, including Adopt-a-Highway and Sponsor-a-Highway.

Herbicide
Herbicide application helps INDOT combat invasive species and noxious weeds along state roadways. Selective types of herbicide are applied to specific sections of right-of-way to aid in roadside management between mowing cycles. Application timelines are set to reduce impact on nearby crops and allow for development of desirable vegetation.

Motorists should watch for possible lane and shoulder closures along state routes as crews perform roadside management activities. Drivers should slow down, move over and avoid distractions as they encounter active crews. INDOT maintains more than 60,000 acres along Indiana's highways. Additional information on INDOT's roadside management program may be found at www.greenercrossroads.com.
Vegetation Management Zones

INDOT right-of-way is divided into different zones for vegetation management (clear zone, selective zone, natural zone).

Service Centers to offer only essential services by appointment; online services remain open

To protect customers and employees from the spread of COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is further restricting in-person service all Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Customer Service Centers on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. This action furthers the limitation of face-to-face services that began on March 23, 2020. Until further notice, the service centers will be closed to all in-person transactions except the following services, which will be available by appointment only:
 

•     Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)
•     Voters needing identification who need to use the Identification card Petition Process (IDPP)
•     New Wisconsin residents who need a driver license or ID for voting

To make an appointment for one of these essential services while the Safer at Home order is in place, call the DMV Communication Center at (608) 264-7447.

Online services available at wisconsindmv.gov
 

•     All vehicle-related transactions (including renewing registration, titling a vehicle, etc.)
•     Obtaining a duplicate driver license
•     Changing address

Services can also be completed by mail or through third-party providers.

Other modifications DMV has in place to reduce in-person visits include:
 

•     All driver licenses and CDLs renewals are extended 60 days
•     All ID cards can be renewed online
•     Emissions testing requirements have been deferred
•     Registration renewals should still be completed by mail or online by the renewal date
•     Non-CDL driver skills tests have been cancelled until further notice
•     A robust online presence (wisconsindmv.gov) to assist with your other DMV needs

DMV staff will continue to handle phone calls, process mailed-in applications, and assist with any other prioritized work on behalf of the state.



 

 

 

In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will not be accepting cash payment for any vehicles conducting essential travel via the eastbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) to Canada. All commercial traffic will need to pay by prepaid commuter account cards or debit/credit forms of payment. MDOT encourages any commercial travelers who wish to apply for the prepaid commercial account to visit www.federalbridge.ca and complete the application. 

The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) suspended all private passenger vehicle cash transactions effective March 18 for their westbound BWB crossing. In order to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 disease, MDOT's BWB has added further restrictions on forms of payment and will not accept cash payments for any toll crossing, effective 11:59 p.m. March 26. Reducing person-to-person contact via cash exchange will help reduce exposure to contagion.
 
In accordance with orders from the United States and Canadian federal authorities, temporary travel restrictions on all land ports of entry and ferries between the U.S. and Canada have been in effect since March 20.
 
Border protection agencies from both nations remain committed to supporting safe travel for essential customers and commercial truck traffic. The agencies and bridge administrations will follow all federal guidelines intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will suspend normal operations at U.S.-Canada land ports of entry and only process travelers engaged in essential travel. The trade of legitimate goods will not be interrupted. 

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S. 
• Those traveling for medical purposes. 
• Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions. 
• Individuals traveling to work in the U.S. (including those working in the farming or agriculture industries who must travel between the U.S. and Canada for work).
• Those traveling for emergency response and public health purposes. 
• Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (such as truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the U.S. and Canada). 
• Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel. 
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their spouses or children returning to the U.S. 
• Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations. 
• Individuals traveling for tourism purposes like sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events are not considered essential travelers.            

Beginning Tuesday, March 24, riders are required to ENTER and exit through rear doors. Fares will not be collected.

Effective March 24, customers are asked to board and exit buses using the rear doors. This new required practice will continue until April 20, or until such other date as may be determined to address the COVID-19 medical emergency. Disabled customers in wheelchairs will continue to board at the front of buses.

Customers are asked to maintain social distancing and leave at least 6 feet of distance from the driver. Fares will not be collected.

03-23-20 Press Release

To reduce the need for travel and in-person interactions during the COVID 19 health emergency, Gov. Tony Evers today announced an extended deadline for vehicle emissions tests, which are required in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is keeping its 28 rest areas under normal operation to support truckers during a critical time for moving supplies.

 “Wisconsin recognizes and deeply appreciates the nation’s truckers who are hard at work to move medical supplies, keep grocery stores in stock and provide other essential equipment,” WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “For truckers, rest areas offer an important resource, and we are working hard to clean and maintain them.”

 The following truck safety weight enforcement facilities also provide all-hours parking and access to rest rooms and vending:

• Kenosha
• Beloit
• Madison
• Superior
• Sparta

 Information on rest areas can be found here, and truckers can use 511 for a complete map of their locations. All drivers are reminded to routinely check 511 for the latest travel updates.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Evers has directed Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson to ensure continuation of essential services of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and protect the health and safety of citizens and employees.

After reviewing public-facing DMV services, Secretary Thompson authorized DMVs across the state to enact a one-day closure to deep clean and modify public spaces, minimize in-person transactions and direct customers to online services.

DMV one-day closure and adjusted services
All DMV Customer Service Centers will be closed to the public on Friday, March 20. DMVs will use this time to deep clean each location and modify office space to allow additional social distancing practices when the service centers reopen on Monday, March 23.

Wisconsin DMV delivers vital services to Wisconsin residents. However, some functions are within DMV’s control and others remain state law. To continue to meet legal requirements, while protecting the public and staff, the following changes will be implemented temporarily:

• Driver licenses and CDLs that expire during this public health emergency will be automatically extended 60 days. Late fees will be waived. The driver record, visible to law enforcement, will show the extension and that the driver license is valid.
• All driver skills tests are being cancelled as of March 18 until further notice.
• Customers are being notified that Administrative Suspension hearings will be offered by telephone (or paper), not in-person.

Service centers will reopen with limited services
Social distancing remains a best practice to combat the spread of the virus and efforts. When Wisconsin DMVs reopen Monday, March 23, in-person customer service will be restricted, by appointment only, to:

• New driver licenses
• Issuing identification cards

To make an appointment, customers can use the Driver License Guide (wisconsindmv.gov/DLGuide). They can also use this guide to begin the paperwork and submit it electronically. Customers with questions may call Driver Services at (608) 264-7447.

Customers who do not book an appointment will be assisted in order of their arrival when appointments are not otherwise booked, and there is space within the lobby to wait. DMV will follow guidelines for public spacing requirements.

For a list of all services available online, visit wisconsindmv.gov. Vehicle transactions can also be completed via mail and third party agents.

WisDOT continues to review all currently available alternatives to keep the public and employees safe. The DHS website remains the most up-to-date information source on COVID-19 outbreaks in Wisconsin.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to raise the lift span of the Stillwater Lift Bridge to allow for boat traffic beginning Friday, March 27, in anticipation of ice-out on the St. Croix River.

MnDOT will raise the bridge and lock it in the raised position as repairs to the lift system are still underway. Boats should travel through the lift span and follow any navigational signs posted in the river.

Transformation of the lift bridge to a bicycle/pedestrian crossing began in August 2017. When completed and opened later this spring, the bridge will be part of a new 4.7 mile loop trail system in Minnesota and Wisconsin that includes the St. Croix River Crossing bridge, and other local and regional trails. MnDOT will continue to raise the lift bridge to accommodate boat navigation on the St. Croix River.

For more information on the Stillwater Lift Bridge project or to sign up for email updates, please visit www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/liftbridge/.

For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

 As the spread of Covid-19 puts businesses on alert, Wisconsin DMV reminds customers that the majority of people do not need to visit a DMV for vehicle services. Renewing license plates, changing address, titling a new vehicle, ordering a duplicate driver license or ID card and more can all be done online at wisconsindmv.gov. 

Keep Us Alive Drive 45 is our commitment to keep workers and motorists safe in work zones. Each year, many people are killed in construction zone accidents, both commuters and workers. Please abide the posted speed limit in work zones. When workers are present, it's 45 M.P.H. - It's The Law.

Join us in our pledge to increase awareness and promote safe driving in our work zones by displaying an orange ribbon. Together we can make our roadways a safer place to commute and work. With your help, we can see to it that a construction zone is not an end zone.