MADISON, Wis. -- After the discovery of a village believed to be between 800 to 1,500 years old, Native Americans are working with state transportation officials to make sure the Highway 12 construction project moves forward, while protecting the area's rich heritage.

Before the expansion project took place, officials knew there was a chance it would uncover bits of the past.

SURVEY With the discovery of a 50-acre Native American village and burial ground in the Highway 12 expansion area, transportation officials and Native American tribes are meeting to decide what should be done to protect it. What do you think should be done? Build a bridge over the site Do not expand to 4 lanes in that area Stop the project entirely Move the site and preserve it It's a tough call Results  |  Disclaimer

"Well, there was a number of archaeological interests that we discovered, but there was an inadvertent discovery of some human remains that we believe are Native American remains, and at that point, when we discovered the remains we stopped all work (and) protected the site," said Patrick Fernan, District Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation.

So far, the expansion has discovered a 50-acre ancient village. Now, the DOT and Native Americans are discussing how best to preserve and respect the site.

"I think the DOT is handling things to the best of their knowledge, working with the tribes and the Native American groups that are at hand," said Art Shegonee, from the Menomonee Tribe. "It's showing people we can work together hand-in-hand."

One option discussed by both parties involves building a bridge around the site. Whatever they choose in the end, transportation officials are learning now the importance of working with a community when building a road.

"We're learning as a department that we have to do a better job of involving the community," said Susan Fox, Environmental Analyst for WisDOT. "And that means all different groups."