Latest Updates
Construction for the Lagoon 2 Phase 1 (south perimeter) Perimeter Berm Flood Resilience Maintenance Project (dike improvements) is planned to start on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Access to the Lagoon 1 area will be accessible throughout construction for pedestrians, but vehicular disruptions will occur, blocking access to the berm between Lagoon 1 and Lagoon 2 at the southeastern corner of Lagoon 1 throughout construction.
View the Phase 1 Traffic Control Plan
View the Phase 1 Trail Detours and Closures map
Initial construction activities will be:
- installation of traffic/pedestrian signage
- snow fence to protect the work zone
- perimeter erosion control
The bulk of the work will be sheet pile installation, which is planned to start in the first part of June.
Project Overview
The District Lagoon 2 Perimeter Berm Flood Resilience Maintenance project will increase the perimeter berm elevation surrounding Lagoon 2 (eastern half of the Lagoon site) to provide greater flood resiliency from the adjacent Nine Springs Creek (south and east perimeter) and the unnamed tributary (north perimeter).
Access to the lagoon perimeter will be impacted during construction activities. The majority of the Wildlife Observation Area trails will remain accessible during the project, and construction is planned to occur outside of the increased bird activity seasons. The Capital City Trail will remain open for use throughout the project; signs will be installed to alert trail users to potential construction traffic crossing the path. For safety, signage and snow fences will be installed onsite to direct pedestrian or bicycle traffic away from any active work areas in Lagoon 2.
Learn more about the maintenance project via an Interactive Storymap.
Public Involvement
Project requirements and considerations are being coordinated with local government agencies and key stakeholders. Two public information meetings will be held to engage key stakeholders and the local community on the project status as well as present construction schedules, safety considerations and other important information and resources prior to construction commencing.
- Meeting #1: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, 4:30 -5:00 p.m.
- Meeting #2: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Stakeholder Group Engagements
Stakeholder group engagements focused on project goals, public considerations and requirements. Stakeholders provided feedback on birdwatching activities, environmental considerations, bird activity seasons, access during construction, future informational signs and more.
March 1, 2023 – Friends of Capital Springs
March 8, 2023 – Dane County and City of Monona
March 15, 2023 – Ho-Chunk Nation
Project Funding
Construction of upgrades and improvements to the District Lagoon 2 Perimeter Berm Flood Resilience project was financed by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The CWSRF program is administered by WI DNR with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State of Wisconsin. This project benefits community residents and businesses in and near the City of Madison as well as providing water quality benefits for the larger Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District service area and downstream watersheds. CWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources nationwide.
