Madison receives $15.1M in federal funds to replace John Nolen Drive bridges

Investment in John Nolen Drive Bridges will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians and is part of nearly $300 million in Fiscal Year 2022 Bridge Investment Program Grants making critical improvements to 9 bridge projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that the city of Madison’s project to replace the bridges on John Nolen Drive will receive $15.1 million as part of a $300 million investment from the Bridge Investment Program in nine small and medium-sized bridge projects in both rural and urban areas in eight states and the District of Columbia, according to a news release.

The grant funds will help replace six bridges along the John Nolen Drive causeway, a major artery that travels across Lake Monona and into downtown Madison. Approximately 45,000 vehicles travel each day on John Nolen Drive. The six two-lane bridges — three northbound and three southbound — along the corridor are 48 to 55 years old and are in fair condition. The improvements will address several transportation challenges, including poor structural integrity and a dangerous roadway and intersections. The project will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by supporting a separated bike-pedestrian path, enhanced traffic signals and street lighting, smart technologies to manage traffic, and green infrastructure.