This page has been created to provide information regarding the project and proposed improvements. On this page you will find important information such as project extents, limits, overview, and important dates. Regular updates will be posted on this page containing new information with the passing of each phase.

The Contractor has completed installation of new roadway base course, curb and gutter, sidewalk, street grading, and asphalt pavement.  Next they will be completing terrace and rain garden restoration, installing pavement markings, and installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Glenway St.  The Contractor is still on schedule and the project is expected to be completed by July 3, 2026.

Hi HSC Partners-

The Homeless Services Consortium is seeking new project applicaitons for Continuum of Care Funding. Please revew the Local Funding Competition Annoucement for New Projects.

Applications will be accepted and considered from organizations that have not previously recieved CoC Program Funding, including faith based organizations.

There wil be a information session on June 22nd at 9 AM for any agencies who are considering applying. If an agency is new to the CoC funding competition you must attend this meeting or reach out to Torrie to find an alternate meeting time (tkoppmueller@cityofmadison.com). Please reply to this message to get an invite for the June 22nd meeting.

Information about the local funding competition can be found on the HSC’s website.  Please be sure to review HUD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Applications are due July 22nd at Noon. Please reach out to Torrie at tkoppmueller@cityofmadison.com with any questions.

Neighborhood House Community Center is scheduling appointments for a Free Legal Clinic on Thursday June 25, 2026 from 4 – 6:30 pm.  To request an appointment, fill out this online form:  legal appointment request or give us a call on (608) 255-5337 to request an appointment or with questions.

Image credit: Neighborhood House Community Center

The Dane County Affordable Housing Development Fund (AHDF) was established in 2015. The purpose of the AHDF is to encourage the development of affordable housing throughout Dane County by using the fund as a means to leverage additional resources from project partners.  Since its inception in 2015, the AHDF has awarded over $75 million dollars to more than 55 projects, and supported the creation of over 3200 affordable units in Dane County.

Additionally, Dane County’s  Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) prioritizes increasing the number of units affordable to low income and moderate-income households.  The RHS establishes a goal of producing 1,765 new affordable rental housing units annually to address the affordable housing shortage.

The 2026 Dane County Capital Budget includes $20 million in the Affordable Housing Development Fund.  Dane County Department of Human Services has issued an application for project financing.

Please see https://dcdhs.com/haa/hd  for financing guidelines and the funding application.  Applications are due Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.  If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Jenna Wuthrich at Wuthrich.Jenna@danecounty.gov

The new Brittingham Park Path along North Shore drive has reopened following work near the railroad crossing. The path will likely close briefly again in July for additional work near the railroad. A detour route will be posted for any closures.

MADISON PARKS VOLUNTEER NEWS

View this email in your browser View this email in your browser Two Shirts, One Ride!  Volunteer for Ride the Drive! Ready to be a part of something amazing this summer? Join us for Ride the Drive 2026 on Sunday, August 9, from 10am to 2pm! We need enthusiastic volunteers like you to ensure this event is a success. Whether you’re directing traffic as an Intersection Guide, helping set up as part of the Setup Crew, or capturing smiles as a Hub Photographer, there’s a role for everyone. Plus, each volunteer receives a Ride the Drive tee, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks! Don’t miss out—register now and be a vital part of this incredible community event. Spaces are filling up fast, so act now to secure your spot! Sign up today and let’s make this Ride the Drive the best one yet! Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (volunteer shifts vary) Who Can Volunteer? Ages 14 and older Sign up today! Explore opportunities and register at: Ridethedrive.com/volunteer For more information, email John at: parksvolunteer@cityofmadison.com Explore Volunteer Options & Register Online Volunteer with Parks Alive This Summer Parks Alive is back for its 5th year, with another packed summer of free, fun activities, and community connection. Held in parks across Madison, Parks Alive events are a chance for neighbors to visit their local park, listen to music, participate in fun, family-friendly activities, enjoy free food and get to know your neighbors. This year, Parks Alive will take place at 11 sites, with 3 events at each site throughout June, July, and August. Volunteers will help support these events by assisting with on-site tasks, welcoming residents, and helping create a positive and engaging environment for everyone who attends. This is a great opportunity to connect with residents, support neighborhoods across Madison, and enjoy a fun community event series. Whether you are helping with activities, supporting event logistics, or chatting with community members, your role helps make Parks Alive welcoming and successful. Volunteer time commitment: Check-in: 4:30pm Event time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Some events may have an indoor backup location in case of inclement weather. If an event is relocated or canceled, volunteers will be notified by email and phone using the contact information provided during registration. For more information, please email John at: parksvolunteer@cityofmadison.com Explore Volunteer Opportunities & Register Online Volunteer as a Beach Cleanup Leader This Summer Madison Parks is looking for Beach Cleanup Volunteer Leaders to help keep public beaches clean and welcoming from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Leaders coordinate a simple weekly cleanup at an assigned beach, help with light tasks like picking up litter, raking sand, and removing shoreline debris, and communicate with Parks staff about supplies or larger cleanup needs. Time commitment: About 1 hour per week Beaches still looking for leader: B.B. Clarke, Esther, Olbrich, Vilas, and Warner beaches Tools and supplies can be provided. Cleanup times are flexible. For more information, please email John at: parksvolunteer@cityofmadison.com Register Online to Volunteer

Latest Update 6/12/2026

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

• Stage 2 Start Date: November 24, 2025
• Anticipated Stage 2 Completion: Late July 2026

Current Stage / Traffic Impacts

***Parking Structure Inspection***

In cooperation with the Department of Administration, the southbound lane closure leading into the work zone on John Nolen Drive has been temporarily moved to the north. Once structure inspections have been completed, the closure will be repositioned back to its original location under the Monona Terrace parking structure

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

S Broom St intersection

Roadway work is complete. Remaining work entails installing permanent lighting and signals, stamped concrete in medians, and grass restoration.

• Broom St is open and restricted to one lane each direction between W Wilson St and John Nolen Dr.
• Left turns from Broom St onto northbound John Nolen Dr will remain unavailable until the completion of all signal work. The anticipated completion is late June
• Railroad signal work performed by others under contract with WSOR will also occur.

North Shore Dr intersection

Work entails reconstructing outbound/eastbound lanes of North Shore.

• North Shore Dr (full closure) closed between S Bedford St and John Nolen Dr
• The bike/pedestrian crossing of John Nolen Dr at North Shore Dr is closed. Detour and wayfinding signs have been installed which direct bike and pedestrian traffic to use the new Brittingham Park path between S Bedford St and S Broom St.
• Railroad crossing work performed by others under contract with WSOR will also occur. During this work, bike and pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the Wilson St path.

Upcoming Work/ Traffic Impacts

Stage 3

Work entails reconstructing northbound John Nolen Drive, reconstructing three bridges on the causeway, building three new bike/pedestrian bridges and reconstructing the Capital City Trail between E Lakeside St and S Broom St.

• John Nolen Dr restricted to one lane each direction on newly constructed southbound lanes.
• Capital City Trail detoured around Monona Bay

Work Week of 6/15/26

• North bridge
  • Form and pour parapet
  • Strip deck forms
• Middle bridge
  • Form and pour parapet
• South bridge
  • Electrical and fiber optic installation
• Grading for North Shore
• Concrete curb & gutter, sidewalk, and median for North Shore

Work Week of 6/22/26

• North bridge
  • Strip deck forms
  • Electrical and fiber optic installation
• Middle bridge
  • Strip deck forms
  • Electrical and fiber optic installation
• South bridge
  • No update
• Concrete pavement for John Nolen/North Shore intersection

Motorist Impacts

• 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. More information can be found here:  Wisconsin Department of Transportation Zipper Merge
• No left turns from S Broom St to northbound John Nolen Dr are permitted

Pedestrian/Bike Impacts

• The John Nolen Dr crossing at North Shore Dr has been removed from service until the completion of the project. The new Brittingham Park path between S Broom St and S Bedford St is open. Bike and pedestrian traffic should access this path at the S Broom St/John Nolen Dr crossing and follow the detour signs through the pedestrian barricade.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists should avoid entering areas with active construction.
• The Capital City Trail remains open along the causeway. No additional trail disruptions are anticipated until July of 2026. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount from their bikes when crossing active construction zones near S Broom St.

Waterway Impacts

A navigable channel will be open for the duration of the project under the middle set of bridges. The channel has red and green buoys to aid navigation and regulatory buoys to delineate hazards. No other channels will be open and waterway users should avoid entering areas with active construction.

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