The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has a 2003-05 biennial budget of $4.88 billion and has just over 3,600 employees.

WisDOT was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol).

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

The department works closely with other state, federal and local agencies to meet changing and growing travel needs. Transportation impacts everyone and WisDOT is committed to providing the safest, most efficient and highest quality transportation services to best serve the needs of the state, its citizens and many visitors.

The department is made up of three executive offices and five divisions organized according to transportation function. WisDOT's main office is located in Madison, but the department maintains regional offices throughout the state as a way to preserve the local approach to transportation development and better serve customer needs.