Quarter 1 2026 Update
Bids for RFB #14089-0-2025-TJ were received and a contract is in process. Work on site is expected to begin this spring and completed by the end of May.

Latest Update 1/23/2026

General Project Information

The John Nolen Drive project includes reconstructing John Nolen Drive and six bridges that span the causeway. New curb and gutter with a raised median separating northbound and southbound traffic will narrow traffic lanes to calm high traffic speeds. The Capital City Trail will be moved further from the roadway with the addition of three new bridge structures, increasing pedestrian safety and greenspace along the corridor. The trail will also be widened, increasing the capacity of the trail, with separate paths for bikes and foot traffic.

Project Schedule

• Stage2 Start Date: November 24, 2025
• Anticipated Stage 2 Completion: August 2026

Current Stage / Traffic Impacts – Stage 2

Work entails reconstructing southbound John Nolen Drive, reconstructing three bridges on the causeway, and the Basset to Bedford pedestrian path.

• John Nolen Dr restricted to one lane each direction on existing northbound lanes
• No left turns from Broom St to John Nolen Dr
• Nighttime full closures (causeway only) anticipated for bridge girder installation

Upcoming Stage / Traffic Impacts – Stage 2a (anticipated start in late February and concurrent with Stage 2)

Work entails reconstructing the western half of the Broom St intersection

• John Nolen Dr restricted to one lane each direction on existing northbound lanes
• Broom St closed between W Wilson St and John Nolen Dr
• Bike and pedestrian traffic detoured to North Shore during railroad reconstruction. Railroad work performed by others under contract with WSOR.

Work Week of 1/26/26

• Bridge abutment and pier removal continues on all bridges

Work Week of 2/2/26

• Pile driving to begin on northernmost bridge

Traffic/Pedestrian/Bike Impacts

• The temporary crosswalk on the north side of Broom St is in place and will be the only crossing at Broom St until the project is complete. Sidewalk along the southern side of Broom St is closed.
• The Capital City Trail remains open. No additional trail disruptions are anticipated until summer of 2026. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount from their bikes when crossing active construction zones near Broom St and North Shore Dr.
• All vehicles on John Nolen Dr use existing northbound lanes between Lakeside St and the Monona Terrace.
  • Both directions of traffic are reduced to one lane prior to entering the active work zone.
  • Signs have been installed on both end of the project to provide direction on where to “zipper merge”. Motorists should utilize all lanes and avoid early merging.
• Motorists are reminded the statutory speed limit has been reduced to 25mph for the duration of the project. The state of Wisconsin doubles fines in construction or work zones when workers are present. These doubled fines apply not only to speeding, but also other traffic violations such as unsafe lane changes or failure to yield.

Please be alert when traveling along the John Nolen Drive corridor. Please note that some work is dependent on weather and may be subject to change. Thank you in advance for your patience throughout this project.

Contact Information

Mark Sponem, WisDOT – Project Manager

Email:  mark.sponem@dot.wi.gov

Dan Bauknecht, WisDOT – Project Engineer

Email:  daniel.bauknecht@dot.wi.gov

If you would like to be added to the weekly update distribution list, please sign up using the subscribe button on the project website or email your name and email address to  daniel.bauknecht@dot.wi.gov.

Progress Photos

Quarter 1 2026 Update
The two Badger Rd. sites have been completely restored and completed. Restoration of the 1901 S. Park St. property is mostly complete.  1810 S. Park St. will be completed in early spring with the removal of a concrete retaining wall, site grading and seeding.

The design team is progressing through final design.  The project will be presented for approval of plans and specifications to the Board of Public Works on Jan. 28, 2026 and to Common Council on Feb. 10, 2026.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Jan. 21, 2026 Public Information Meeting. The meeting materials are now available:

Jan. 21, 2026 Public Information Meeting Recording

Jan. 21, 2026 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation

Don’t forget to fill out the project questionnaire by 1 p.m., Jan. 28, 2026:

Virgina Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row, Hillington Way Questionnaire 

Quarter 1 2026 Update
The PV system installations are complete. Arch Solar C&I is working on commissioning the systems.

Project Overview

Installation of a roughly 40 kW solar photovoltaic system at the Madison Police Department East District Station roof. The system will produce an estimated 52,000 kWh per year. When combined with the building’s  existing ground mounted systems, 85% of the building’s electricity usage will be generated by the solar arrays. The array will be installed by the Engineering Division’s  GreenPower program where trainees with little to no electrical skills are provide on-the-job training through solar installations on City buildings.

Project Schedule

City User Agency: Madison Police Dept.

Planning and Design: 2023-2025

Construction Start Date: Quarter 2 2026
Expected Completion Date: Quarter 3 2026

Quarter 1 2026 Update
The PV system installation is complete and will be commissioned in the next few weeks.  The project is expected to be completed in February 2026.

Quarter 1 2026 Update
Project planning and material procurement is underway. The Engineering Division’s  GreenPower installation crew will start working onsite in late spring. 3901 Hanson Road’s roof is being replaced ahead of this project through a purchase of service contract.

Following approval at the Transportation Commission on Dec. 3, 2025, the Capital City Path Extension project will be presented to the Board of Public Works on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Meeting info and registration will be posted on the City Committee Meeting Website ( https://www.cityofmadison.com/city-hall/committees/meeting-schedule) closer to the meeting date. An updated exhibit for the proposed project can be found below.

Latest Project Exhibit

Quarter 1 2026 Update
PV system installations are complete. The systems on seven of the fifteen buildings are active and producing power.  Four more buildings will be commissioned in January. The remaining systems should be commissioned in February with project completion expected by end of this quarter.

Quarter 1 2026 Update
The Madison Public Market has reached substantial completion and in process of closing out this project.  The Market Foundation is working on tenant improvements.

Project photos can be found on the Madison Public Market Flickr page.

Quarter 1 2026 Update
Final finishes and punch list have been completed.  We have now reached substantial completion and will be closing out this project.

Photos of the project can be found on the Warner Park Community Recreation Center Expansion Flickr album.

Quarter 1 2026 Update
The existing concrete floor and walls were removed and under floor plumbing was installed.  This week concrete will be poured, steel modified and we will be starting the rough in of mechanicals.  Watch the renovation progress on the Engineering Operations Facility Locker Room Renovation Flickr page.

Following approval at the Transportation Commission on January 7, 2026, the Cannonball Path: Phase 6 project will be presented to the Board of Public Works on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Meeting info and registration will be posted on the City Committee Meeting Website closer to the meeting date. An updated exhibit for the proposed project can be found below.

Link to Cannonball Path Phase 6 overview exhibit

Quarter 1 2026 Update
Design progress is moving steadily. One mockup has been successfully completed, and work is currently underway on a second mockup, which is in preparation. Further updates will be shared as development continues.

Quarter 1 2026 Update
This project is complete except for a few construction and furnishing items that still need to be completed.  The Department of Civil Rights moved into their newly remodeled office on December 15th.

Hello,

I am writing to inform you that we currently have Domestic Violence units available and have also established a waitlist (there are no applications on the waitlist at this time). Below are the details for both currently available and upcoming Domestic Violence units.

Currently Available:

Unit 204

• Floor Plan: A1
• AMI Designation: 40%
• Maximum Income for one person: $36,360.00
• Minimum Income: $14,454.00
• Size: 545 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $803.00
• Note: This unit is currently available and accepting applications

Unit 304

• Floor Plan: A1
• AMI Designation: 50%
• Maximum Income: $45,450.00
• Minimum Income: $18,540.00
• Size: 545 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $1,030.00
• Currently on hold pending applicant approval/denial.

Unit 207

• Floor Plan: A1
• AMI Designation: 40%
• Maximum Income: $36,360.00
• Minimum Income: $14,454.00
• Size: 545 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $803.00
• Available March 9, 2026; currently on hold pending applicant approval/denial.

Unit 317:

• Floor Plan: A2
• AMI Designation: 50%
• Maximum Income: $45,450.00
• Minimum Income: $19,800.00
• Size: 776 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $1,100.00
• Available March 9, 2026; currently accepting applications.

Available Non DV Units:

Unit 109

• Floor Plan: A1
• AMI Designation: 60%
• Maximum Income: $54,540.00
• Minimum Income: $22,626.00
• Size: 545 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $1,257.00
• Currently available and awaiting an application.

Unit 211

• Floor Plan: A1
• AMI Designation: 60%
• Maximum Income: $54,540.00
• Minimum Income: $22,626.00
• Size: 545 sq. ft.
• Monthly Rent: $1,257.00
• Available April 6, 2026; currently open for applications.

If you are assisting individuals in need of housing, please have them complete the attached application and submit it via email to theshield@alexandercompany.com.

Please note that rental rates are fixed and do not vary based on income. Additionally, we offer studio and one-bedroom units only.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you,

___

Kiley Hoffman

Assistant Property Manager

The Shield Apartments

22 N. Blount Street, Madison, WI 53703

608 219 6893 ¦ theshieldapartments.com

DOOR CREEK RIBBON CUTTING/WINTER PROM

Olbrich Botanical Gardens Seeks Input Help shape the future of your public garden! In case you have not yet heard, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is embarking on a comprehensive planning process to guide future growth, address facility needs and align the Gardens’ priorities with the needs of our growing community. We’re excited to imagine what this place could become in the next 20 years, and to start planning how to get there. Public Workshop #1 Thursday, January 22 at 12pm and 6pm Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. See Olbrich.org/future for more information, including an online survey and future public workshops.

Ribbon Cutting & Winter Celebration Join us on Saturday, January 24 starting at 10:00am for a Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration at Door Creek Park! Ribbon cutting inside the warm pavilion! Free workshops – advanced registration requested Free equipment use – skis, snowshoes, and ice skates Food carts, games, prizes and more! Skate Cinema at Elver Park Join us for music, movie and skating under the stars and lights at Skate Cinema at Elver Park on Saturday, January 31! This event is free to attend, and no registration is required.  Bring your own skates or rent a pair from inside the staffed warming pavilion. Date: Saturday, January 31 Music: 4:00 – 5:30pm Movie & Showtime: 5:30pm, Norm of the North (2016) 1h 30m, PG Location: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd. Winter Prom at Monona Terrace Put on your dancing shoes and join us at Monona Terrace for Family Winter Prom on Saturday, February 7! The evening will have fun music, light refreshments, crafts, and a photo station and is perfect for children 13 and under with an accompanying adult. See Winter Prom for more info and to purchase tickets online in advance. Winter Clothing Drive In partnership with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC), we’re hosting our annual winter clothing drive at select locations. Drop off new and gently used coats, snowpants, boots, hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves during the event,now through Sunday, February 1, 2026. See Winter Clothing Drive for locations and hours. Groove & Glide Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the stars and lights with music and games.  All ages and experience levels are welcome from 6:00-8:00pm. No registration is required. See Groove & Glide for more information. Friday, January 23 – Rennebohm Park – canceled due to extreme outdoor temperatures Friday, January 30 – Olbrich Park Friday, February 6 – Westmorland Park Friday, February 13 – Vilas Park Weather & Conditions If the weather or ice conditions are deemed unsafe, we may cancel, relocate, modify or reschedule an event or activity. Always check the website and click through to the event’s dedicated webpage before heading out. Athletic Field and Court Reservations Starting Monday, February 16 at 10:00am, athletic field and court reservations for the 2026 season will be open to the public. We recommend logging in or creating an account before opening day by visiting WebTrac! Four park athletic fields will be closed for rehabilitation this season: Badger Park – multipurpose field Brittingham Park – multipurpose fields 1 and 2 Lucia Crest Park – multipurpose field Walnut Grove Park – multipurpose fields 1, 2, and 3 Updates Earth Day Challenge – mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25. Online registration opens in February. See EDC for more. Olin Park Pavilion – closed throughout 2026, due to essential repairs and maintenance by City Engineering. See Olin Park pavilion for info. Hoyt Park – both shelters closed in 2026, due to the parking lot reconstruction Warner Park Community Recreation Center – the expansion project for the Center is underway! See WPCRC Expansion for the latest updates.

Hi HSC Partners-

I am writing to let you know that Ulysses (Uly) Williams recently passed away. Uly was a known advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Over the years, he used his voice and  his own lived experience to inform services & policies, create programming and serve people experiencing homelessness.

In the past, Uly served on the City County Homeless Issues Committee and was an active participant in Homeless Services Consortium committees. Uly brought a smile to all of these spaces. His knowledge paired with his warm heart made him a valued participant and colleague.

Uly, along with some friends, developed Sanctuary Storage in the Social Justice Center. They identified storage as a need for people experiencing homelessness and developed a program to meet that need. This service was valuable to those who accessed it.

In recent years, Uly would work with others to provide meals and basic needs to people experiencing homelessness. He was often looking for winter coats to help people stay warm. He was great at making connections with all people.

I hope that as you remember Uly and his impact on our community, you can smile and recognize the many lives he touched.

Take Care, Torrie

MONONA NEWSLETTER

City of Monona News & Highlights January 21, 2025    Visit City Website   city updates spring election The spring election is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Three City Council seats and two School Board seats will be on the ballot. Interested residents can pick up a packet of papers with everything they need to know about running for City Council at Monona City Hall and for the School Board at the School District office on Monona Drive. Nomination papers for both City Council and School Board are due by 5pm on January 6, 2026. Depending on the number of candidates for any office, a primary election on February 17, 2026, may be required. If you need to register to vote, you can do so in-person weekdays from 8am-5pm at City Hall, or at myvote.wi.gov. You can also do so at the polls on election day. Please visit: https://www.mymonona.com/133/Elections for more information about voting in Monona.  zipcar in monona Monona is proud to now be hosting the first electric Zipcar in Wisconsin, and first Zipcar in Monona! The Zipcar will be located in the new Bloom apartment complex parking lot– thanks to Noel Development for coordinating this new amenity. The City is pleased to have this sustainable transit option available to its residents, to anyone with a Zipcar membership. Zipcar is a convenient car-sharing service which operates through a phone app, and allows members to rent cars by the hour. All expenses are included in this hourly rate, including gas and insurance. It is similar to a bike share program, such as Madison BCycle, but for cars. The Bloom is a 98-unit multi-family housing development which offers ground floor commercial space, including a recently-opened BMO bank branch. The Bloom is located between 4601-4613 on Monona Drive. Parks & Recreation Public skating lets you glide across the ice during open skate sessions. Party packages are available to celebrate birthdays and special occasions with skating, treats, and built-in fun. Lessons and workshops are offered for everyone, from first-time skaters to hockey parents learning the basics, helping all participants feel confident on the ice. Private rentals allow you to reserve the rink for your group, team, or special event. Skate through the whole season from Saturday, November 22, 2025 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. When you need a break from the ice, warm up with hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, share a fresh pizza, or treat yourself to Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, the sweetest way to cap off your skate. Click here for more information. aldo leopold nature center YOGA CLASSES  Tuesdays & Thursdays ∙ 6:45–7:45 AM Join us in the lobby for early-morning yoga classes led by Monarch Yoga. Held every Tuesday and Thursday, this gentle flow practice invites you to connect with your breath, body, and the natural world around you. Cost is $15 per class, with discounted class packages available. Register here: https://monarchyogawi.corsizio.com/ BIRD & NATURE ADVENTURE  Saturday, January 24 ∙ 10:00–11:30 AM Explore the theme “Critter Tracks” with a naturalist from Madison Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) on an easy, family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into Edna Taylor Conservation Park. Meet at the Children’s Shack and bring the whole family as we search for animal tracks and signs. No registration required. Learn more here. Senior center upcoming events Coffee and Conversation | Wednesday, January 28th, 11:00 a.m. –  New group forming to strengthen connections, have some conversations and share resources. Join us at the Monona Senior Center for some coffee, tea and conversations. Register at 608-222-3415 or just stop in. https://www.mymonona.com/DocumentCenter/View/15938/Coffee-and-Conversation Stop the Bleed Training | Thursday, January 29th at 1:00 p.m. with the Dane Co. Sherriff’s Department in conjunction with the Monona Police Department. Training techniques that will empower you to assist in an emergency. Go from bystander to lifesaver.  Please call to register 608-222-3415. https://www.mymonona.com/DocumentCenter/View/15937/Stop-the-Bleed-Training- Memory Cafe Winter Olympics | Wednesday, February 4th at 10:00 a.m.  – Monona Dementia Friendly Initiative presents Memory Café – topic this month is Winter Olympics. Memory café is a welcoming place where individuals with memory loss and their caregivers can get together in a safe environment for conversation, connection, games, refreshments & activities. Please give us a call at 608-222-3415 to register or answer any questions you have.  Memory Café is located in the Monona Public Library. https://www.mymonona.com/DocumentCenter/View/15939/February- Monona Grove School District News Long range facilities planning We’re pleased to share a new Long Range Facilities page on the Monona Grove School District website! This dedicated resource offers background, updates, and materials related to our ongoing facilities planning work, including information from recent Board meetings and actions aimed at ensuring our buildings and spaces are aligned with student needs now and into the future. We encourage families and community members to explore the page to stay informed about long-range decisions that support the sustainability and effectiveness of our district’s facilities. School Board updates newsletter Sign up for the School Board Updates newsletter! Head to the Monona Grove School Board webpage and provide your email address to receive communications relating to MGSD School Board Updates. Newsletters will be sent once a month, after Regular School Board Meetings. Special edition newsletters may be sent periodically when the School Board holds Special Board meetings, work sessions, etc. sustainability updates planning and development Development Updates: January 2026 The Monona City Council, along with the Plan Commission and project team leaders, held their first joint meeting about Monona’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan update on January 12. Among the topics discussed were project schedules, intended outcomes, data trends, a public participation plan, and past completed plans. The Comprehensive Plan update is intended to create a unified guide for the future development of Monona and will include future public input opportunities.View the discussion agenda here: View the full meeting here: Keep up with other new and ongoing development plans here. library updates Upcoming Events No School Friday: Magic Show with Jonathan Elkins! Friday, January 23, 11:00am Enjoy this Family Friendly Magic Show! Monona History Club: From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin Sunday, January 25, 2:00pm Mending Circle Tuesday, January 27, 6:30pm All skill levels welcome! Hands-on work time, to learn by doing, not a formal class. Bring your items that need mending! John Muir’s World Saturday, January 31, 2:00pm Journey with storyteller Paul Akert in his portrayal of John Muir. Scoops & Stories at the ICE RINK! GRAND CROSSING PARK – 6320 Inland Way Monday, February 2, 10:30am Ice rink is open: FREE admission and skate rental for storytime participants! Take Your Child to the Library Day! Saturday, February 7, 10:00am–1:00pm DIY Bookmark Craft and take a selfie with our JUMBO Library Card! Don’t have a card yet? Sign up for one when you visit! Story & Therapeutic Watercolor Workshop with Author Tia Sunday, February 15, 2:00pm Best for Ages 6 and up Storytelling adventure followed by a fun watercolor craft. Little Scientists Monday, February 16, 10:00am Science play for little ones ages 3 – 5! Check our calendar for even more amazing programs for all ages: https://monona.librarycalendar.com/events/month The ’90s are back and waiting for you at this year’s Loud in the Library, our adults-only fundraiser filled with games, food, drinks, and music!  This year the fun will include: Must-see throwback cover band, Star 67, bringing back the best music of the ‘90s, the one and only James the Magician, a photo booth, on-theme fundraising games with a chance to win prizes, delicious snacks, a cash bar, and more! So grab your flannel shirts, baggy jeans, Starter jackets, and mood rings and get your tickets at the Monona Library or online at https://www.friendsofmononalibrary.org/events. Each $35 ticket includes 1 drink ticket as well as food from Monona’s own Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, Level 5 Donuts and Culver’s ice cream. Get yours today! Thank you to our generous supporters and sponsors! San damiano Fire & Wonder Winter Gathering Saturday, February 21, 2026 4 to 7 PM  Embrace the beauty of the winter season at Fire & Wonder, a winter gathering at San Damiano Park. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 4 to 7pm. Highlights:

A summary of feedback that includes Southwest Area Plan comments from June through early January is available.  The summary doesn’t include every single comment; for those interested in specific comments a full spreadsheet is linked via the summary or the project website under the “Feedback” sidebar.

2026 SEED Grants Cycle Now Open

The City of Madison Food Policy Council is opening the  2026 SEED Grants cycle to address food access issues in our community.

SEED Grants are small grants designed to support new and recently emerging projects or programs that support access to healthy food in our community. The City of Madison 2026 Budget includes $50,000 in grant funds to be distributed by the Madison Food Policy Council.

The Madison Food Policy Council is encouraging any organization, group, or agency that is devoted to making food more accessible to City of Madison residents to apply. Any proposal that improves the local food system will be considered. The maximum of any one grant will be limited to $10,000.

Interested applicants should go to the  City of Madison SEED Grants webpage for the grant application background letter and application form.

Applications are due on Friday, February 20, 2026 by 11:59pm, and should be submitted to the Madison Food Policy Council at  mfpc@cityofmadison.com.

Applications will be reviewed and funding recommendations made to the Madison Food Policy Council by the SEED Grants Review Group of the Madison Food Policy Council in March 2026.

Final decisions will be announced in late March/Early April 2026. Additional questions can be emailed to  mfpc@cityofmadison.com and staff will respond as quickly as possible.

View full news release