Legislation improves WisDOT’s contracting, construction methods
On March 20, 2026, Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 461, now 2026 Wisconsin Act 104, into law. The bill 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.
“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 Gov. 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.”
