Transportation Projects Commission advances I-39/90/94 and US 51/Stoughton Road projects

The Wisconsin Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) today voted to advance two major highway projects along heavily used routes in southwest Wisconsin. These infrastructure improvements will better accommodate freight, recreational, and commuter traffic on I-39/90/94 between Madison and Wisconsin Dells and improve mobility along US 51/Stoughton Road in Madison.

Improvements on these projects include:

I-39/90/94, Madison to Wisconsin Dells

• Rebuild the 67-mile corridor with an additional travel lane; replace outdated infrastructure designs; improve safety at interchanges; and raise roadway and bridge elevations to reduce impacts from flooding.

US 51 North, WIS 30 to I-39/90/94 in Dane County

• Redesign and reconstruct intersections and roadway curves to improve safety and traffic flow; expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, including a dedicated multi-use path; and replace deteriorating pavement.

The I-39/90/94 study received unanimous votes from the bipartisan commission and will move closer to inclusion in the state budget. The US 51 North Study was approved for enumeration (12-1 vote), and work on this study will move to the final design phase.

“We’re continuing to build upon our efforts to improve our roads and infrastructure and connect folks with work, home, school, and destinations for travelers both near and far,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “These sections of highway are essential components of Wisconsin’s economy. Last year, counties in the I-39/90/94 project limits generated $4.9 billion in tourism, about 20 percent of Wisconsin’s total revenue. I look forward to these improvements as we continue to invest in building the infrastructure Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21^st Century.”

“We’re excited to move forward with these two major highway projects,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Safety is WisDOT’s top priority. As demonstrated in today’s meeting, these highways need an upgrade. The time is now and securing the TPC’s vote to move these projects forward keeps us on track as we continue improving safety and mobility for all road users.”

Project candidates that go before the TPC undergo an extensive evaluation that considers a project’s potential to enhance economic development, relieve traffic congestion, improve safety, and achieve community objectives while minimizing environmental impacts. To move forward, candidate projects must also undergo an environmental review process.

The TPC is a commission chaired by the Governor that includes five state senators, five assembly representatives and three citizen members who review, approve, and make recommendations regarding major highway projects in Wisconsin. Governor Evers restarted the TPC in 2019 after it had been dormant since 2014. The TPC was originally created in 1983.

​Materials from today’s meeting and more information about the TPC can be found here​​.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.