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 requires phased closure of the westbound on- and off-ramps at University Avenue/Campus Drive and Highland Avenue, May 12 through September 5, 2025. This brings traffic impacts and requires 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 early Aug: Westbound off-ramp, westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland Ave. closed
- Early Aug to early Sept: Westbound on-ramp closed
Dates are approximate and vary depending on weather, ground conditions, etc. Check back for additional details on the schedule.
JuLY 22 tHRU Week of Aug 4: On-ramp AND Off-ramp CLOSURES
- Southbound Highland Ave is now open
- Westbound off-ramp from University Ave/Campus Dr to Highland Ave closed until the week of August 4 – once opened, it will remain open throughout the project
- Westbound on-ramp from Highland Ave to University Ave/Campus Dr closed through Labor Day
Travelers should plan ahead to allow for 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 are impacted. View the detour maps or read more about the detours from UW Transportation Services.
Early Aug to early Sept: On-ramp closure
Starting Tuesday, July 22, the following closures will impact traffic and require some detours:
- Westbound on-ramp from Highland Ave to University Ave/Campus Dr closed through early September
- Westbound off-ramp from University Ave/Campus Dr to Highland Ave reopens the week of August 4; once opened, it will remain open
Travelers should plan ahead to allow for extra traffic and/or delays outbound from University Hospitals, Forest Products Laboratory, areas of the UW-Madison campus and the VA Hospital. Bicycle traffic is not expected to be impacted; however, Metro Transit bus routes and service may be affected. View 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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