Posted Friday, October 16, 2009 --- 10:05 a.m.

News Release
Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Public meetings scheduled for US 18/151, Dane and Iowa Counties

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southwest Region Office in Madison is holding two public information meetings regarding the freeway conversion study for the section of US 18/151 between Dairy Ridge Road/County Highway G, Dane County, and the US 18 exit to Dodgeville, Iowa County. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Elementary School, 208 Jarvis Street. The second meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Springdale Town Hall, 2379 Town Hall Road, Mount Horeb. The same information will be presented at both meetings. A brief presentation about the study will be given each evening at 6:00 p.m.

WisDOT is conducting a study to determine the roadway changes needed to convert US 18/151 from an expressway to a freeway. This will result in the removal of all direct access to the highway, phased over a period of many years. Existing intersections will be converted to highway interchanges, overpasses, or cul-de-sacs. New local access roads will be provided as needed to replace direct driveway and side road access onto US 18/151. According to WisDOT Project Manager Larry Barta, safety problems associated with at-grade crossings have grown due to increased volumes of traffic. By gradually moving all access to interchanges, safety for all users will be improved. The changes to highway access are expected to be take roughly twenty years to complete, as warranted by safety and statewide funding priorities.

The public is encouraged to attend the meetings, provide input, and ask questions concerning this project. WisDOT representatives will be available throughout both meetings to discuss the project on an individual basis.

Larry Barta can be contacted for more information at (608)246-3884. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to: Larry Barta, Project Manager, WisDOT Southwest Region, 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704. Citizens who are hearing-impaired and who require an interpreter may request one by contacting Larry Barta at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay system.