A construction project to install the West Interceptor – Shorewood Relief sewer pipe
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is replacing critical wastewater infrastructure near UW Hospitals and Clinics this summer, impacting Highland Avenue access.
The Highland Ave. Sewer Project is part of a larger construction project to install a sewer interceptor first built in 1916. This large pipe must be installed to address system capacity needs due to high residential and business growth in Madison’s near west side, Middleton, Shorewood Hills and Westport. Installing this pipe helps ensure the safe, reliable movement of wastewater to protect public health and the environment.
This project will require phased closure of the westbound on- and off-ramps at University Avenue/Campus Drive and Highland Avenue, May 12 through September 5, 2025. This will have significant traffic impacts and require detours to University Hospitals, Forest Products Laboratory, areas of UW-Madison’s west campus and the VA Hospital. University Bay Drive will remain fully open.
Approximate traffic control stages
- May 12 to June 30: Westbound off-ramp closed
- June 30 to mid-July: Westbound off-ramp, westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland Ave. to close
- Mid-July to late July: Westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland Ave. to close; westbound off-ramp reopens
- Late July to early Sept: Westbound on-ramp to close; southbound Highland Ave. reopens
Dates are approximate and vary depending on weather, ground conditions, etc. Check back for additional details on the schedule.
June 30 to Late July: On-ramp, Off-ramp and Highland closureS
Starting Monday, June 30, the following closures will impact traffic and require detours:
- Westbound off-ramp from University Ave/Campus Dr to Highland Ave closed through mid-July
- Southbound Highland Ave between the VA Hospital/Forest Products Lab entrance and the Best Western InnTowner closed through late July
- Westbound on-ramp from Highland Ave to University Ave/Campus Dr closed through Labor Day; turn lane on northbound Highland Ave for the on-ramp also closed
- Lane geometry changes at the intersection of northbound Highland Ave and Observatory Dr through late July
- Alternate timing of signal lights for northbound and southbound traffic on Highland Ave at Forest Products Lab/VA Hospital entrances through late July
The closures require multiple detours in the area. Travelers should plan ahead to allow for extra traffic and/or delays inbound or outbound for University Hospitals, Forest Products Laboratory, areas of the UW-Madison campus and the VA Hospital, particularly in peak travel times. The closures are not expected to affect bicycle travel; however, Metro Transit bus routes and service will be impacted. View the detour maps or read more about the detours from UW Transportation Services.
Construction Updates
Access construction updates for the Highland Ave. Sewer Project and the West Interceptor – Shorewood Relief.
Traffic Impacts
View road closures and recommended detours on the UW-Madison Transportation Services website.
Alternate Bus Routes
Visit the City of Madison Metro Transit website for affected routes and upcoming detours
Get Traffic Updates for Highland Ave.
Sign up here to stay informed of key changes to road closures and detour routes for the Highland Ave. Sewer Project. For more detailed construction updates, follow our project page.
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