Public meetings scheduled for US 18/151 in Dane and Iowa Counties Nov. 28 and Nov. 29

November 27, 2007

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will hold two public information meetings regarding the freeway conversion study for the section of US 18/151 between Dairy Ridge Road/County Highway G in Dane County and the US 18 exit to Dodgeville in Iowa County.

The first meeting will be held Wednesday, November 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ridgeway Elementary School, 208 Jarvis Street, Ridgeway.  The second meeting will be held Thursday, November 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Springdale Town Hall, 2379 Town Hall Road, Mount Horeb, in the Town of Springdale.  A brief presentation about the study will be given each evening at 6:00 p.m.  The same information will be presented at both meetings.

In 2006, WisDOT presented draft concepts for the proposed freeway conversion effort at two public information meetings.  Since that time, changes in the concept plans have been made at some locations along the corridor and more detail has been developed.

WisDOT is carrying out a study to determine the roadway changes needed to convert US 18/151 from an expressway to a freeway.  This will result in the removal of all direct access to the highway, phased over a period of many years.  Existing intersections will be converted to highway interchanges, overpasses, or cul-de-sacs.  New local access roads will be provided as needed to replace direct driveway access onto US 18/151. According to WisDOT Project Manager Larry Barta, as traffic volumes on US 18/151 have grown, safety problems associated with at-grade crossings have also grown.  By gradually moving all access to interchanges, safety for travelers will be improved.  The changes to highway access are expected to be made over the next 20 years or more, as warranted by safety and statewide funding priorities.

The public is encouraged to attend the meetings, provide input, and ask questions concerning this project.  Maps showing the proposed improvement alternatives will be on display.  WisDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project on an individual basis.

If you would like more information, contact Larry Barta at (608) 246-3884.  Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Larry Barta, Project Manager, WisDOT Southwest Region, 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI  53704.   Citizens who are hearing-impaired and who require an interpreter may request one by contacting Larry Barta at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay system.

For more information, contact:
Larry Barta, project manager
(608) 246-3884

Michael Bie, regional communications manager
(608) 246-7928