The state Division of Motor Vehicles is making some major changes for residents applying for a new driver license or ID card. Jim Miller of the DOT said they’re going to look different, with a green background and new holograms and other security features.

AUDIO: Jim Miller (:35)

Miller says people won’t get the new “central issuance” cards right away, because a California company is now printing them. Applicants will get a receipt, and it will take about 10 days for the card to be delivered. Miller said they started the new process in many DMV locations this week and it will be in all of them by May. Everyone will have one of the new IDs within eight years, through the normal license renewal process.

Rick Schuh, WHBY

Wisconsin’s motorcycle riders have been getting a head start with the warm weather this spring. As they begin hitting the roads in large numbers, state transportation officials are offering a reminder to “use their heads” about safety.

Motorcycling fatalities in Wisconsin were down last year, according to Greg Patzer of the DOT. But, he says there’s a troubling trend in the fact that 92-percent of those killed in crashes were not wearing a helmet at the time.

AUDIO: Greg Patzer (:21)

Typically, Patzer says the numbers are closer to 65-percent. He says that big of a jump is “rather dramatic” and should be a call to action.

With an early start to the cycling season this year, Patzer is urging more bikers to voluntarily strap on a helmet.

John Colbert, WIBA

Look for the “flashing arrows.” Joanna Bush of the Wisconsin DOT says some new traffic signals are being installed at intersections around the state. The flashing yellow arrows allow drivers to make a left turn, after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Bush says the arrows might be a bit confusing at first, but she expects drivers will get used to them.

Bush says the agency has been mixed reactions to the changes: “But so far we haven’t any seen any sort of indication that it’s created any problems in the field, which was our number one concern.”

The changes are required now by the Federal Highway Administration following a decade-long study on safety and traffic flow at intersections.

John Colbert-WIBA

The U.S. House of Representative has cleared the way for building a new bridge over the St. Croix River between Houlton, Wisconsin and Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. The bill passed Thursday morning would exempt a new bridge on the federally protected St. Croix from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The Senate already approved the exemption in January.

Supporters argue the project is needed to replace an 80-year-old two-lane lift bridge in the St. Croix Valley. Debate over the proposal has stretched on for nearly 30 years, with opponents going to court twice in an attempt to block construction.

Another bridge does exist on Interstate-94 at Hudson, but it’s frequently overtaxed by traffic.

New Richmond Mayor Fred Horne and other bridge backers gathered at city hall to watch the final vote. He says everyone was “ecstatic” to see the project move ahead, which will have a huge economic impact on the region.

AUDIO: Mayor Horne (:08)

New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Russ Korpela says the bridge will complete a link between St. Croix County and the Twin Cities. He expects it will be several years though before most people realize the impact the new bridge will have on life in the region.

Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) has been working on the project for almost his entire 16 years in office.

AUDIO: Rep. Ron Kind (:12)

Kind says he’s glad to see the project move forward and he wants to see work started as soon as President Obama signs the bill. He says the project is “shovel-ready” and could create 15,000 construction jobs.

Jeff Petersen, WIXK