Latest updates - May 1, 2025
Work for the week of May 5
- Mobilize materials and equipment to the project site.
Work for the week of May 12
- Close westbound (WB) off-ramp from University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue, starting Monday, May 12, 2025.
- To direct non-emergency traffic away from Campus Drive to old University Avenue, wayfinding signs will be placed on westbound University Avenue from East Campus Mall (east of Park Street) to the Campus Drive – University Avenue split.
- Install traffic control to close the off-ramp (full closure) and the outside WB lane of University Avenue/Campus Drive (single lane closure).
- Install by-pass pipe in the shoulder on the north side of University Avenue/Campus Drive.
- One-day closure of the on-ramp from Highland Avenue to WB University Avenue/Campus Drive on Saturday, May 17, to bury by-pass pipe under the on-ramp.
Current traffic impacts
- The off-ramp from westbound University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue will be closed from Monday, May 12 to late June.
- The on-ramp from Highland Avenue to westbound University Avenue/Campus Drive will be closed for one day on Saturday May 17, 2025.
- The work requires detours for traffic heading that would normally use the westbound exit from University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue.
- During the on-ramp closure Madison Metro Transit buses (approximately 4 per hour) will be detoured from westbound old University Avenue to northbound Grand Avenue then west on Stevens Street and north on Farley Avenue back to University Avenue/Campus Drive.
- Northbound Highland Avenue will remain open for the duration of the project.
- The Campus Drive Pedestrian and Bicycle Path will remain open for the duration of the project.
- All sidewalks will remain open during this stage of the project.
Project overview
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s West Intercepting System is a complex network of sewers that provides service to the near west side of Madison, Middleton, Shorewood Hills and Westport. The original West Interceptor was built in 1916, extended to Middleton in 1932 and there have been several more extensions, reliefs and replacements added to the system over the years. The existing interceptor needs to be replaced to increase capacity, which ensures the safe and reliable conveyance of wastewater while protecting public health and the environment.
Project work for the West Intercepting System has been taking place over multiple phases. You can learn more about other portions of the project and the project history on our Highland Ave. Sewer Project page, West Interceptor–Shorewood Relief (Phases 1-3) page and the West Interceptor Rehab-Segoe Road to Shorewood Boulevard page.
Highland Section
Construction of the West Interceptor-Shorewood Relief (Highland Section) in Highland Avenue and in the Campus Drive on and off ramps was originally planned for 2023 and has been rescheduled to take place in 2025. (see overall project map)
Highland Section Narrative
Highland Section Map
Visit the Highland Ave. Sewer Project page for traffic maps and detours
Construction schedule and impacts
Construction of the Highland Section will begin May 12, 2025 (after UW-Madison graduation) and is scheduled to be complete by Labor Day 2025 (before UW is back in session).
Construction of the Highland Section will have major traffic impacts to the UW Hospital and Clinics, Forest Products Laboratory, the VA Hospital and other facilities. There is no work on University Bay Drive, which will remain fully open throughout the project.
- May 12 to late June (Stage 1): The westbound off-ramp from University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue will be closed starting approximately May 12, 2025 and may remain closed until approximately June 27, 2025. View Stage 1 map (PDF)
- Late June to late July (Stage 2): The southbound lanes of Highland Avenue and both westbound ramps to/from University Avenue/Campus Drive will be closed for up to 28 calendar days.
- Late July to late Aug./early Sept. (Stage 3): Only the on-ramp to Campus Drive from Highland Avenue will be closed. Stage 3 work may last up to 42 calendar days and is scheduled to be complete no later than September 5, 2025.
Dates are approximate. Work is weather dependent and may be subject to change.
Public involvement
At the public information meeting for Phase 3 of the District’s West Interceptor-Shorewood Relief (Phases 1-3) project, we presented design and restoration plans, tentative construction sequence and schedule (subject to change), planned detours and resources for the public during construction. The presentation was followed by a Q&A period.
Postcards with information about project meetings were sent to residents within 300 to 400 feet of the project. Additional postcards were also sent about the project.
In addition to the public meetings, the District has been in ongoing coordination discussions with utilities, municipalities, hospitals, the railroad and other agencies and stakeholders.
