February 6, 2026

By Lane Kimble

Wisconsin’s newest Majors Program project will require a lot of work, money, and time to finish.

Initial estimates for the massive I-39/90/94 expansion and reconstruction between Madison and Wisconsin Dells put the overall cost around $3.6 billion, WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said.

Boardman’s update, dated Jan. 30, was part of the Department’s twice-annual report to the Transportation Projects Commission and the first time WisDOT has shared cost estimates for the project.

That dollar figure, however, is based on 2024 costs.  The report notes the overall cost could be around $4.9 billion by the time it’s completed in the early 2040s due to inflation.  It’s important to note the figures and any potential schedules are still pending.

Other Majors and Southeast Mega projects remain on schedule and largely on budget, however the Wisconsin River Bridge replacements saw a $17 million increase due to “unanticipated subgrade conditions and environmental mitigation.”

The TPC in Dec. 2024 recommended the 67-mile I-39/90/94 project for inclusion in the state budget and lawmakers along with Gov. Tony Evers signed off on it (“enumeration”) this past summer.

At its latest meeting in Dec. 2025, the TPC recommended studies for potential work on expanding I-94 in western Waukesha County and rebuilding US 53 in Eau Claire.