Wisconsin has developed an innovative way for local governments to report and monitor the condition of their roads. The new program, Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads (WISLR) is a collaborative effort between local municipal governments and state transportation authorities. Wisconsin mandates local government to monitor the state’s 100,000-plus mile network of roads and measure factors such as width, surface year, surface type, road category, curb, functional classification, shoulder, and pavement condition ratings.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation WisDOT developed a technology that utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and interactive mapping functionality. Their unique approach allows local government authorities to quickly notice wear patterns and pavement erosion. The program has won early praise and may become an example of effective collaboration between state and local government.