Who is conducting the study?
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct the US 18/151 Corridor Study.
What are you studying?
WisDOT and FHWA are conducting the US 18/151 Corridor Study between the US 18/151 interchange in Dodgeville and County PD (McKee Road) in Fitchburg. WisDOT will identify project needs and evaluate a range of alternatives to address those needs in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
What is the timeline of the study?
The study team began gathering data in late 2024. An EIS is anticipated to be completed in approximately 2028. Following the completion of the EIS, the project would need to be enumerated to move into final design and ultimately, construction. If the project were enumerated, the earliest construction is expected to begin would be early to mid-2030's.
How would funding be authorized?
Funding for project improvements must be authorized by the State Legislature. The funding process would require the following steps:
- EIS is reviewed and approved by FHWA
- Study is submitted to the Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) for evaluation
- TPC recommends the project for enumeration - officially recommending to add it to the state budget
- The State Legislature and Governor authorize funding for project acquisition and construction
Was there a previous study of this corridor?
A previous environmental study from the US 18/151 interchange at Dodgeville in Iowa County to the West Verona Avenue interchange in Dane County was completed in May 2024. That study recommended a freeway conversion plan.
The study was halted in 2017 after WisDOT re-evaluated planning priorities statewide. In 2023, WisDOT submitted a request to the Transportation Projects Commission for further study of this US 18/151 Corridor, and it was approved.
Why are you studying this area again?
The last study was conducted more than a decade ago. The needs of the corridor may have changed over that time. Since the last study, some improvements have been made to the corridor and others are currently in progress. In addition, the communities along the corridor have undergone change. The current study will re-evaluate the current and future needs of the corridor and identify the best possible transportation solution for the corridor.
What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad, including constructing highways and other publicly owned facilities. Using the NEPA process, agencies evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions. Agencies also provide opportunities for public review and comment on those evaluations.
What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
An EIS is a document that the NEPA requires for federally funded actions that could significantly affect the quality of the human environment. An EIS is a tool for decision-making, detailing a proposed action's positive and negative environmental effects. An EIS typically includes the following content:
- Purpose and need statement: Identifies the purpose of the study and the issues identified with the project area
- Alternatives: Describes alternatives under consideration that could address the purpose and need of the study
- Affect environment: Describes the environment of the area the alternatives could affect
- Environmental consequences: Discusses the environmental effects and their significance
Will there be opportunities for public input?
Public input is an important aspect of the US 18/151 Corridor Study. The study team will actively engage the public and stakeholders in a variety of ways throughout the process. Public Involvement Meetings (PIMs) will be held at key milestones in the study process. The study will also conduct a Public Hearing once the environmental document has been signed. This will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide testimony on the information included in the EIS, including the preferred alternative, which i the alternative WisDOT would proposed to move forward with and eventually construct. All public meeting dates will be announced on the study website. The public may also submit comments or questions at any time by clicking Comment Now.
How can I stay involved in the process?
A stakeholder database has been created and will be updated throughout the study. The database includes local officials, businesses, community groups, property owners and interested stakeholders. The database is connected to our subscriber email list, which will provide important study updates. To subscribe to the email list, click
Subscribe. You may also join the stakeholder database by reaching out to the WisDOT Study Manager, Jeff Berens via email or phone.
Who do I contact with questions?
Jeff Berens
WisDOT Study Manager
(608) 245-2656
jeff.berens@dot.wi.gov
Michael Bie
WisDOT Region Communications Manager
(608) 246-7928
michael.bie@dot.wi.gov