Latest updates
- Closure of the westbound off-ramp from Campus Drive to Highland Avenue begins Monday, May 12 and is expected to continue into early July.
- The closure will require traffic detours and bus service will be impacted. View maps and detour info.
- The westbound off-ramp and the westbound on-ramp will be closed for a partial day on Saturday, May 17.
- Internal and external stakeholders are in coordination through multiple meetings to ensure project success. Participants include utilities, municipalities, hospitals, transportation agencies and other stakeholders and agencies.
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 the UW is back in session).
Construction of the Highland Section will have major traffic impacts to the UW Hospital and Clinics and to the Forest Products Laboratory. There will also be traffic impacts to the VA Hospital. There is no work on University Bay Drive, which will remain fully open. The off ramp from Campus Drive to Highland Avenue will be closed during Stage 1 work starting approximately May 12, 2025 and may remain closed until June 27, 2025. During Stage 2 work, which may last up to 28 calendar days, the southbound lanes of Highland Avenue and both ramps to/from Campus Drive will be closed. During Stage 3 work, 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.
View an overview map (PDF)
View Stage 1 detour map (PDF)
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.
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.
