April 2, 2026

By Lane Kimble

It will still be several years before any machines begin busting up pavement and earthmovers haul millions of tons of base course, but the I-39/90/94 modernization reached an important milestone this spring.

The work transitioned from “study” to “project” phase, allowing for final design efforts along with the debut of a snazzy new website.

WisDOT publicly launched the project page Thursday morning, shortly after awarding Jacobs as its lead designer on a major section of the overall 67-mile project.

Crews will expand the freeway, modernize 15 interchanges, and possibly build two new ones along a critical stretch of interstate that features 113 bridges across four counties.

The Transportation Projects Commission recommended lawmakers provide funding for the I-39/90/94 construction in the 2025-27 state budget during its annual meeting in December 2024, which they did this past summer.

WisDOT’s latest estimates put the overall cost at $4.9 billion when adjusted for inflation, with work stretching into the 2040s. It’s important to note at this stage that all costs and any potential schedules are still pending.

The new website features an interactive project map, resources for businesses, news updates, FAQs and more.