May 18, 2026

By Lane Kimble

Work to modernize, expand and improve safety along a long stretch of freeway that millions of people depend on could begin in 2028.

WisDOT released those details and some other nuggets in its spring edition of the I-39/90/94 Corridor Project newsletter.

The department is developing design plans and construction staging along the 67-mile stretch between Madison and Wisconsin Dells this year. The massive project recently went from “study” to “project” phase.

WisDOT is currently coordinating with people who live, work, and travel through the area to figure out noise barriers, what real estate the state may need to acquire, and how to keep traffic flowing as best as possible during construction.

The Transportation Projects Commission recommended the project for funding in the state budget during its December 2024 meeting.  Lawmakers and Gov. Tony Evers provided initial buckets of money for I-39/90/94 upon passing the 2025-27 budget.

The most recent estimates put the overall price tag around $4.9 billion due to inflation if work takes until the early 2040s to complete.