Construction is well underway on one of Madison’s most visible and heavily traveled corridors—John Nolen Drive Causeway. Since breaking ground in October 2025, this $45 million reconstruction effort has been steadily progressing toward a planned mid-2027 completion. With nearly 50,000 vehicles relying on this route each day, the project plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient access to and from downtown Madison. Crews have remained productive through the winter months, keeping the work on schedule and setting the stage for major milestones ahead.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
- Removal of six aging bridges along the John Nolen Drive causeway
- Construction of nine new bridges, including six roadway bridges and three pedestrian bridges
- Installation of underground storm sewer systems
- New roadway lighting and traffic signals
- Curb and gutter construction
- Concrete and asphalt pavement installation
- Shoreline revetment improvements
PHASING HIGHLIGHTS
- Stage 2 | October 2025 – July 2026: Construction of three southbound bridges, with completion anticipated in early July
- Stage 3 | July 2026 – June 2027 – Construction of three northbound bridges and three pedestrian bridges, with the majority of structural work completed in 2026
- Traffic will shift to the southbound side in mid-July 2026 to allow work to advance on the northbound structures
Walbec companies contributing to this project include Zenith Tech (structure work) and Payne + Dolan (asphalt paving), working alongside project partners to deliver a modernized, more resilient transportation corridor.
As work continues and traffic patterns evolve, this project will remain a key focus in the region. Additional updates will be shared as major milestones are reached and the transformation of the causeway takes shape.
