Study background
Why is this study being completed?
WisDOT is studying the US 151 corridor to identify improvements needed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of traveling public and serves as a critical link for access to goods and services in Dodge County. An approved environmental document is needed to move the project info final design and construction.
The US 151 Columbus to Waupun corridor environmental study is being conducted to accommodate existing and future traffic with a focus on safety issues that affect travel along US 151.
Why were the Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersections constructed last year (2025) at County C and County DE before this study was completed?
The RCUT intersections were constructed at the County C and County DE to address an immediate safety need at these two locations. A crash analysis in the early 2020's identified a high total crash rate at these locations along with a high injury/fatal crash rate. RCUTs were selected as an immediate remedy to address the safety concerns because they are a cost-effective solution compared to an interchange or overpass that has a low impact outside of the existing right-of-way (ROW).
WisDOT has a
website with more information about RCUTs, including the benefits, how to navigate an RCUT and where RCUTs are located around Wisconsin.
What is the schedule for this study?
The study stated in late 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Three public involvement meetings (PIM) are planned during the study.
- PIM 1 (June 23, 2026): Present the draft purpose and need and conceptual alternatives and ask for public input
- PIM 2 (expected spring/summer 2027): Share the proposed and refined alternatives and associated natural, cultural and social impacts and ask for public input
- PIM 3 (expected winter 2027/2028): Obtain public input on the preferred alternative and associated impacts
What is the budget and timeline for construction?
This study focuses on evaluating existing conditions, identifying needed improvements and developing preliminary cost estimates. These estimated costs will be included when the corridor study is published.
A future phase will advance the design of the preferred alternative and further refine construction costs. Funding and a timeline for final design and construction have not yet been identified.
Draft purpose and need and conceptual alternatives
What are the needs along US 151?
The draft needs along US 151 include:
- Safety: Several areas along the corridor have crash rates higher than the statewide average. A total of 571 crashes occurred between 2020 - 2024, including eight fatalities. Six crashes occurred at the two railroad crossings resulting in 3 injuries.
- Pavement condition: Existing pavement will reach the end of its service life by the study design year (2055).
- Outdate road design: The roadway no longer meets WisDOT safety and design standards. Substandard design elements include substandard bridge width at the WIS 49 overpass, a non-standard curb radius and insufficient turn lane lengths.
What improvements are being considered?
The project team has prepared two conceptual alternatives that address the draft purpose and need:
- Super 4 concept: Maintains a four-lane divided highway with targeted improvements, including upgrades to key intersections, potential modifications to access at driveways and field entrances, designated U-turn locations and grade separation at railroad crossings.
- Freeway conversion concept: Converts the existing expressway into a four-lane freeway by eliminating all at-grade intersections, driveways and field entrances and providing access via interchanges and overpasses. This concept also includes grade separation at both railroad crossings and restricts agricultural equipment from operating on US 151.
Are there examples of other Super 4 highways in Wisconsin?
Yes, the following highways are similar to the Super 4 concept we are considering along US 151:
- WIS 23 from Fond du Lac to Sheboygan
- US 53 from Rice Lake to Superior
In Minnesota, south of Minneapolis, US 53 from MN 46 to MN 50 is also a similar facility to the Super 4 concept.
Impact analysis
Will there by any real estate acquisition, and when?
WisDOT will try to minimize impacts whenever possible. As this study progresses, the project team will identify potential right-of-way impacts for each alternative analyzed.
Property acquisitions for the preferred alternative would occur during a future design phase, following completion of this study and approval to advance into final design and construction.
Will noise barriers be included in the alternatives?
A traffic noise analysis may be required. The requirement to conduct a traffic noise analysis is dependent on the magnitude of changes to the roadway alignment and footprint in relation to receptors (land use) adjacent to the corridor. If a traffic noise analysis is conducted, a noise impact occurs if the Noise Level Criteria (NLC) are approached (within 1-decibel) or exceeded, or when predicated future sound levels exceed existing levels by 15 decibels (dBA).
Opportunities for involvement
When will the public have an opportunity to review and comment on the revised alternatives?
- A second PIM is planned for spring/summer 2027 with the purpose of getting public feedback on the refined range of alternatives and their associated impacts. In addition, a third meeting will be held in late 2027 or 2028 to obtain feedback on the preferred alternative.