MADISON - Calling it an essential step toward securing the future of Wisconsin roads, Gov. Scott Walker announced Wednesday that all 2016 roadway projects in the state would be built using only locally sourced asphalt pavement.
According to Walker, citizens are sick and tired of concrete pavement with its heavy, muted color, big cracks, predisposition to heaving after a cold winter and its ‘may be slippery or icy’ mantra.
"As governor, it is my responsibility to do whatever's necessary to maintain the safety of Wisconsin residents," Walker told reporters during a press conference on April 1st, overlooking a particular bad stretch of concrete on I-94. "If you are a Wisconsin citizen, you shouldn't have to worry about bad concrete paving. I look at it as a public service – down with concrete!"
Citizens have been complaining about recent issues with concrete pavement, from huge potholes, to cracks deemed 'the size of the grand canyon'; it was just a matter of time before politicians had to step in.
“I really think the last straw was when major Tom Barrett’s car got stuck in a pothole by the lake,” said Barry Landry, a citizen who witnessed the unfortunate mishap on Lincoln Memorial Drive in downtown Milwaukee last August. “I think he was late for a meeting that day, because of the pothole.”
This new proposal will ask local asphalt manufacturer, Wolf Paving, to address the needs of Wisconsin roads moving forward. Wolf is being tasked with providing the supply of asphalt pavement to meet the needs of Wisconsin infrastructure in 2016 and beyond.
“We were really pleased to get the call from Gov. Walker on this new asphalt initiative,” said Sean Wolf, vice-president at Wolf Paving. “We have the experience, expertise and the people in place to make Wisconsin the greatest asphalt-rich state in the country.”
One concern politicians were pondering would be whether there was enough locally sourced asphalt to go around.
“I let state officials know that at Wolf Paving, we own the asphalt materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide the highest quality custom asphalt mixes for every job,” Wolf said at a recent press conference. “We’re excited about this initiative and though we’ll have to run at capacity for the next two years, we can make all of the asphalt Wisconsin needs.”
Walker and his team were particularly interested in the color options in asphalt pavement.
“I was astounded to learn that asphalt can be colorized, how did I not know this before?” said Walker, who was contemplating firing his aid over the controversy. “Why aren’t the roads in Green Bay hinted with green and gold already? I was told it can be done, so let’s do it!”
The issue saw little criticism in the state legislature because everyone agreed that a smooth asphalt surface, that requires less maintenance than concrete and offers less noise pollution, would be a welcomed change.
“I personally hate concrete,” said Rep. Christopher Pinet, who added that while the issue of asphalt versus concrete may divide the public, he is glad the Governor took decisive action. “Someone had to make this tough decision and I look forward to a concrete-free future in Wisconsin.”
Editor’s note: April Fools! This story is not true and none of the statements are factual. Don’t blame Wolf Paving, it’s the asphalt! (Get it, asp-fault!)
With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.
For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free quote for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.
