Project location |
Project overview |
Schedule |
Status/phase |
Contact information
Project location
US 151, WIS 73 (Columbus) to WIS 49 (Waupun), in Dodge County
Project overview
- US 151 is an important roadway connecting several Wisconsin cities and is identified as a backbone route in WisDOT's
Connections 2030 Plan.
- The plan places high priority in protecting these highway investments that connect major economic/population centers and carry long-distance, statewide traffic.
- The purpose of this study is to develop a long-term highway plan for converting this 26-mile portion of US 151 to a freeway.
- The study will result in a plan for the eventual removal of all direct access by existing local roads and driveways onto US 151. The study will also remove the existing at-grade railroad intersections.
- This study is focusing on identifying and planning improvements to long-term access to and from the corridor, not adding additional capacity.
Previous Studies
An initial freeway study for this corridor was completed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) in 2012 to collect data; obtain input from regulatory agencies, local officials, and the general public; and prepare conceptual roadway plans for freeway conversion. This study was followed up with a Value Planning Report in 2013 that analyzed the alternatives that were created in the initial study.
A separate study was then initiated to assess the environmental impacts. This study was halted in 2017 after WisDOT reprioritized the ongoing studies and projects statewide.
In 2022 WisDOT began a safety and operations study to identify the existing safety concerns and conduct an economic analysis of safety performance for a freeway conversion. In 2023 WisDOT submitted a request to the
Transportation Project Commission (TPC) for further study and it was approved at their December meeting.
Status/phase
Project resourcing, data collection, and scoping of consulting contract are in progress. Public involvement is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Contact information
Matt Messina, P.E.
WisDOT Project Manager
(608) 267-7108
matthew.messina@dot.wi.gov
Michael Bie
WisDOT Southwest Region Communications Manager
(608) 246-7928
michael.bie@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Southwest Region, Madison Office
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-3800
TTY: 711
Email:
swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov
