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Public information guidelines for transportation projects

Public information is an important component of transportation projects and studies. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has established some guidelines to clarify the roles and expectations of WisDOT staff and consultants handling public information activities for projects and studies. Consult the guidelines periodically for updates. Additional guidance on public involvement can be found in Chapter 6 of the Facilities Development Manual (FDM).

Samples and templates

Various materials are used to provide information to the public about transportation projects and studies. This includes news releases, project newsletters/reports, public information meetings (PIM), correspondence and advertising. Some common materials are provided below as "best practice" examples. Additional examples will be posted as they become available. In some cases, templates are provided. The templates have been established as the preferred format for certain types of communications.

NOTE: All documents below are in Word format and 250 KB or less in size unless otherwise noted.

Additional resources

• WisDOT Stylebook
• List of Regional Communications Managers (RCMs)
• WisDOT graphic identity standards

News releases

• Template for lettings
• Sample for lettings
• Template construction start
• Sample construction start
• Template traffic advisory
• Sample advisory for planned maintenance
• Sample advisory for early completion of work
• Sample advisory for bridge inspection
• Sample advisory for special event
• Sample for local project

Newsletters

• Template newsletter/report in Word
• Template newsletter/report in Publisher (Microsoft Publisher file, 808 KB)
• Sample project report (US 151 - Aug 2005) (442 KB)
• Sample project report (WIS 29/52 - Feb 2005) (389 KB)
• Sample newsletter (Marquette Interchange - July 2004)
• Sample local project newsletter (Milwaukee River Parkway bridges - April 2008)

Public information meetings

• Template news release
• Sample news release
• Template citizen invite letter
• Sample invite postcard (76th Street - Oct 2005)
• Template local official invite letter
• Sample local official invite letter (WIS 29 - June 2006)
• Sample handout (WIS 60 PIM - Nov 2006)

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
WisDOT Library, library@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: October  6, 2009