A construction project to install the West Interceptor – Shorewood Relief sewer pipe
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District replaced critical wastewater infrastructure near UW Hospitals and Clinics in summer 2025, 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 was 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 required phased closure of the westbound on- and off-ramps at University Avenue/Campus Drive and Highland Avenue, May 12 through August 25, 2025. This had traffic impacts and required detours to University Hospitals, Forest Products Laboratory, areas of UW-Madison’s west campus and the VA Hospital. University Bay Drive remained fully open.
Project status
The Highland Ave. Sewer Project was substantially complete as of August 28, 2025. All roads and ramps are open and they will not need to be closed again for this project.
traffic control stages
- May 12 to June 30: Westbound off-ramp closed
- June 30 to August 8: Westbound off-ramp, westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland Ave. closed
- June 30 to August 25: Westbound on-ramp closed
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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