June 20, 2024

By Lane Kimble

An effort to repair aging roadway and reduce travel times along a vital stretch of I-39/90/94 between Madison and Wisconsin Dells took the next step this week.

Thursday, WisDOT and the Federal Highway Administration announced it completed a draft version of the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study.

The study highlights the importance of the 67-mile stretch for freight, commuters, and vacation traffic alike.

Notably, the study notes tourism’s importance to the potential projects on Fridays through Sundays throughout the summer months.

The draft notes drivers are 70% more likely to be injured in a secondary crash along the stretch.

WisDOT and FWHA says replacement is more effective than repair, due to more than 20% of the lane miles involved being in poor or worse condition by 2030.

READ MORE ABOUT WISDOT’S ANALYSIS HERE

WisDOT has held more than 100 public meetings regarding the study since 2022.  If the state’s Transportation Projects Commission considers and approves full funding of the replacement project this fall, the earliest construction would begin is 2030, according to the draft.

You can peruse the draft’s summary HERE.  Public comments are due by Aug. 12, 2024.