Plans & Projects > Find by location > SW Region > US 51 corridor > North segment >

US 51 north segment need

The purpose of the US 51 project is to address the safety and capacity deficiencies along the highly traveled segment of US 51 between Reardon Road and County V (Grinde Road).

Crash history

Between 1990 and 2000 there were 300 crashes on the segment of US 51 between Reardon Road and County V (Grinde Road). Of this total, 98 crashes resulted in injuries and 3 involved a fatality. Sixty percent of all crashes occurred during daylight hours, which includes morning and afternoon peak travel times.

Roadway deficiencies

The existing roadway is posted at 55 mph. The alignment and profile of US 51 will be improved to meet a 70 mph design speed to provide a safer roadway. The speed limit will remain posted at 55 mph.

Capacity deficiencies

The term "capacity" refers to the number of vehicles that can safely travel on a segment of roadway under varying weather conditions. Traffic volumes, type of traffic and geometric layout of the roadway affect the capacity of a highway. 

Increasing traffic volumes on US 51 have caused the road to become congested and unsafe. An estimated 14,100 vehicles drive this stretch of US 51 every day. That number is projected to increase to 22,100 vehicles by the year 2027.

 Return to top

Questions about the content of this page:
Southwest Transportation Region, madison.dtd@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: March 14, 2006