Baldwin Announces $12.5M to Improve Public Safety and Upgrade Infrastructure Along I-43 in Manitowoc County

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced $12.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to boost roadway safety, reconstruct rest areas, and expand truck parking between Manitowoc and Green Bay. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), over 22,000 travelers use this corridor of I-43 daily. Senator Baldwin advocated to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Buttigieg to fund the project, increase roadway safety, and help drive regional growth.   

“I-43 is vital for our businesses to get their products on shelves and connects communities across Eastern Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “After decades of heavy use, the outdated and deteriorating infrastructure isn’t up to par. That’s why I fought to secure this investment, reconstructing an important resource for truckers, helping ensure that goods get to market on time, and keeping Wisconsin drivers safe on our roads.”

The investment, from the DOT Infrastructure for Rebuilding America or INFRA program, comes from the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Baldwin-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made up to 8 billion available through this grant program from FY22-26 to help carry out major infrastructure projects across the country.

The funding will replace the Rest Area 51 Maribel and Rest Area 52 Denmark facilities along I-43 in Manitowoc County. According to WisDOT, insufficient parking, deteriorating pavements, and outdated and undersized facilities require the reconstruction of this 44-year-old safety rest area. For both sites, the funding will be used to construct a new comfort building, maintenance garage, and parking lots for both automobiles and trucks, increasing the capacity of truck parking by 72 stalls. Additionally, lighting will be replaced throughout both facilities, roadways will be reconstructed to accommodate the additional truck parking stalls, the pavement will be improved, and a substandard beam guard will be removed.

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