Signs of construction life are once again visible along Highway 12 in Dane County.

On Friday, the Department of Transportation secured a new contractor for the project. Monday, that company — Hoffman Construction — began moving their equipment into the highway area.

The project manager for the Middleton to Sauk City part of the construction project says the new contractors will pick up where the old crews left off.

"I think at first there's going to be some regular work hours and business as usual, but certainly I think you're going to see an accelerated work schedule proposed by this contractor in order to meet the deadlines," says Curt Newhauser.

Even though the project stood stagnant during a few key weeks in April, the project is still slated to be finished by the middle of November.

The previous contractor — James Cape and Sons — went bankrupt in March. Any financial loss caused by the contractor switch will have to be made up by the bonding company.