I-39/90/94 Study

Project location | Project overview | Schedule | Status/phase | Previous studies | Contact information

Formal scoping period closed

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study. The NOI formally began the environmental review process, which included a 30-day public comment period (also known as scoping), where WisDOT and FHWA requested input on issues to consider in the EIS.

The formal public scoping comment period closed August 17, 2023. You can review the Scoping Summary. The summary describes the scoping process and comments received. Outcomes of the scoping process will be provided at the next public involvement meeting anticipated in Fall 2023 and summarized in the Draft EIS.

You can find a link to the NOI, published in the Federal Register here. WisDOT and FHWA also prepared an Additional Information Document, which describes the study purpose and need, alternatives and the alternatives screening process and anticipated impacts.

Project location

I-39/90/94 from US 12/18 in Madison to the US 12/WIS 16 interchange in Wisconsin Dells

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View I-39/90/94 Study in a larger map.

Please view the presentation from the WisDOT and City of Madison meetings that were held on May 23, 2023 and June 1, 2023 CLICK HERE.

Find the meeting presentation here.

Project overview

  • The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are conducting the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study between US 12/18 in Madison and US 12/WIS 16 in Wisconsin Dells. The study will also evaluate I-39 from where it splits from I-90/94 to Levee Road near Portage. The study corridor is about 67 miles long and travels through Dane, Columbia, Sauk and Juneau counties.
  • The purpose of the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study is to address existing and future traffic demands, safety issues, aging and outdated infrastructure.
  • WisDOT will identify project needs and evaluate a range of alternatives in an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS process, which will include ongoing opportunities for public involvement, will lead to the identification of a preferred alternative.
  • Project overview

*Please note, off alignment options are not being considered for this study

Schedule

  • 2023
    • Develop alternatives
    • Begin environmental impact analysis
    • Ongoing public involvement activities
  • 2024
    • Finalize environmental impact analysis
    • Public hearing
    • Complete environmental document
    • Ongoing public involvement activities

For more information about public involvement opportunities and other activities, visit the I-39/90/94 Corridor Study – Public involvement page.

To view interchange alternatives that were presented at the second Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) CLICK HERE.

Status/phase

  • Environmental study with no construction activities planned at this time.
  • Public involvement activities are expected to begin in late 2022.
  • Currently gathering data to identify corridor alternatives and potential impacts on human-made and natural resources.

Previous studies

  • WisDOT recently completed I-90 Madison to Tomah Needs Study (January 2022). The study evaluated the existing and future conditions along I-90 corridor from US 12/18 in Madison to the I-90 I-94 split in Tomah (approximately 100 miles), including a portion of I-39 from I-90/94 to WIS 16. Evaluations included analysis of traffic, safety, pavement, and structures within the corridor. Existing year data was gathered in 2019. Future year analysis included forecasts for conditions through the year 2050. The purpose of the study was to provide information to make informed decisions for the I-39/90-/94 corridor regarding potential future safety, pavement, bridge, or other improvement projects. Further evaluation between Wisconsin Dells and Tomah may be part of a possible future corridor study.

For more information, please view the corridor needs assessment

Corridor needs assessment appendices

Contact information

WisDOT welcomes comments and suggestions related to this study.

David Schmidt, P.E.
WisDOT Study Manager
(608) 246-3867
david2.schmidt@dot.wi.gov

Jennifer Kobryn
WisDOT Study Supervisor
(608) 246-3800
Jennifer.kobryn@dot.wi.gov

Michael Bie
WisDOT Region Communications Manager
(608) 246-7928
michael.bie@dot.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Southwest Region, Madison Office
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-3800
Email: swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov