MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - State transportation officials have decided against closing 16 motor vehicle offices around the state, as part of a re-organization plan.

DOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb told reporters today that all current DMV centers will stay open – four new centers will be created – and the total statewide service will be expanded by 620 hours a week.

Gottlieb said he heard from lawmakers and others when the agency announced its original plans a couple weeks ago. He said the new re-organization will cost more, but it’s the best way to expand motor vehicle services.

The new centers will be located in Viroqua, Alma, Keshena, and the South Eau Claire-Fall Creek area. They’ll open in early 2012. The re-organization was required because of the new photo ID law for voting.

DMV centers will give free I-D’s to voters who need them. The new state budget demanded that each county have at least one motor vehicle center that’s open 20-hours-or-more each week. Until now, only 30 of the 72 counties met the 20-hour requirement.