Latest updates - June 12, 2025
The work is currently on schedule to begin Stage 2 traffic control approximately June 30. Be aware that the schedule can change depending on weather and unknown ground conditions or obstacles.
Work for the week of June 9
- Excavate and install slide-rail earth retention system and install of 48-inch diameter sewer pipe from new maintenance hole MH08-295 to MH08-296.
- Remove existing MH02-518A and install new MH08-296.
- Clean and TV existing sanitary sewer siphon under Walnut Street.
Work for the week of June 16
- Install 48-inch diameter interceptor sewer pipe from new MH08-296 to new MH08-297, a distance of 33 feet, using a standard trench box earth retention system.
- Remove existing MH02-518B and install new MH08-297.
Work for the week of June 23
- Install 48-inch diameter interceptor sewer pipe from existing MH02-519 to new MH08-297, a distance of 152 feet, using a standard trench box earth retention system.
City of Madison work on Highland Avenue - June 11 - June 25
- The City of Madison is repairing concrete cracks under the Campus Drive Bridge over Highland Avenue. Single lane closures on Highland Avenue during off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) are expected for approximately two weeks (June 11 - June 25).
- The City's concrete repair project is separate from the District's interceptor project.
- For any questions on the City project, please contact Steve Sonntag at 608-267-1997.
Current traffic impacts
- The off-ramp from westbound University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue will be closed from Monday, May 12 through mid July.
- Single lane closures on Highland Avenue occur June 11-25 during off-peak hours (City Project).
- Sidewalk on the west side of Highland Avenue closed June 11-25 (City Project).
- All lanes of University Avenue/Campus Drive are open.
- The work requires detours for traffic that would normally use the westbound exit from University Avenue/Campus Drive to Highland Avenue.
- 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.
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 began 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 University Hospital, Forest Products Laboratory, the VA Hospital, areas of UW-Madison campus west of Babcock Drive and other facilities. There is no work on University Bay Drive, which will remain fully open throughout the project.
- May 12 to June 30 (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)
- June 30 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.
