US 18/151 access study

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As part of the U.S. Highway System, US 18/151 is an important roadway connecting the major Midwest cities of Dubuque, Iowa and Madison, Wisconsin. US 18/151 is identified as a Backbone Route in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Corridors 2020 Plan. The plan places high priority in protecting these highway investments that connect major economic/population centers and carry long-distance, statewide traffic.

Experience around the state has demonstrated that highways can deteriorate quickly in terms of reduced operations and safety as land development changes occur near a highway. Of greatest concern to WisDOT are the at-grade intersections along US 18/151. As traffic increases over time, it will become increasingly difficult to turn on, off and/or cross the highway in a safe manner, and the potential for crashes will increase.

The purpose of this study is to develop a long-term highway access plan for the corridor. This will allow both WisDOT and the local communities adjacent to the corridor to adequately plan for future land use and transportation needs.

In doing so, land use and transportation can be integrated in such a manner that keeps US 18/151 operating well into the future. This will ensure that recent investments to the highway in the past several decades can be preserved.

It is important to note that this study is focusing on identifying and planning for long-term access to and from the corridor, not adding additional capacity (travel lanes). The changes in access are expected to be made over a 20 to 30-year period, as funding is available.