Wisconsin is modernizing how infrastructure projects are delivered. On March 20, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 461 into law, officially establishing 2026 Wisconsin Act 104 and permanently expanding the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) ability to use alternative project delivery methods, including design‑build.
The new legislation moves WisDOT beyond its former pilot program and provides a long‑term framework for using innovative contracting approaches on state highway projects. Historically, the design‑bid‑build model can limit flexibility and extend project timelines, especially on complex or environmentally sensitive work.
As was demonstrated by one of WisDOT’s pilot bridge replacement project on WIS 130 near Lone Rock led by SRF, design‑build offers a more integrated solution by bringing engineering, construction, and project management teams together earlier in the process. This collaborative approach has successfully helped manage schedule constraints and site 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. 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.
WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman
Under the new law, WisDOT may select the most effective delivery method for a broader range of transportation improvements. It also authorizes up to $300 million per fiscal biennium for projects delivered using alternative methods, providing greater flexibility to align project delivery with scope and complexity. The law emphasizes innovation, encouraging design‑build teams to propose creative engineering solutions that improve durability, manage risk, and deliver stronger long‑term value for taxpayers.
SRF’s Alternative Delivery team brings deep expertise in highway and structural engineering and construction management that is central to successful design‑build delivery. This technical strength, combined with in‑depth capabilities in water resources engineering, environmental documentation, utility coordination, public involvement, and quality management, has been a key driver of our excellence on our design-build projects.
Resource links:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
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Madison, WI