Frequently asked questions (FAQ)


  1. ​Who is conducting this study?

    1. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southwest Region and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are initiating the study.​​


  2. Why was the previous study postponed? How are these studies different from the previous study?

    1. In November 2017 the previous study was postponed while WisDOT re-evaluated planning priorities statewide. A new study of US 51 was approved in late 2021 with a new approach, utilizing two separate studies. Two separate studies, a south corridor and a north corridor will allow the study teams to address issues and needs specific to each unique corridor. Special consideration will be given to the city of Madison’s Stoughton Road Revitalization Project Plan in the south corridor and to the city of Madison’s Hanson Road Neighborhood Development Plan in the north corridor. Information completed during the previous study will be utilized in the new studies to the extent practicable.

  3. What are the Stoughton Road North Study limits?

    1. The US 51 (Stoughton Road) North Study begins at the Stoughton Road/WIS 30 interchange in Madison and continues north to I-39/90/94 in the town of Burke.​

  4. Why is this study being done?

    1. An approved environmental document is needed to move the project into final design and construction. ​The US 51 (Stoughton Road) North corridor environmental study is being conducted to accommodate existing and future traffic with a focus on safety issues that affect travel along Stoughton Road.

  5. When will one of these alternatives be selected?

    1. The preferred alternative was presented to the public at the March 2025 public hearing.

  6. Where and how can I provide input to the study?

    1. The study website on the Public Involvement page has a “Comment now” link where comments can be provided online. Comments can also be sent via email to study staff. Public involvement will continue through the design phase.

  7. How is funding authorized?

    1. Funding for the project was authorized by the Transportation Project Commission (TPC) in December 2024.
    2. The TPC reviews all major studies and recommends projects that most warrant funding for approval. 

  8. When would construction begin?

    1. The project has been approved for final design and construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.

  9. What is the role of transit in handling travel needs in the Stoughton Road north corridor

    1. Coordination with the city of Madison and Metro Transit has been ongoing throughout the study to determine how best to incorporate transit improvements into the proposed alternatives.

  10. How are the proposed alternatives handling the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians?

    1. WisDOT has identified bicycle and pedestrian needs throughout the corridor and attempt to address issues where possible. WisDOT has worked with the municipalities and neighborhoods along the corridor to determine appropriate and feasible bicycle and pedestrian solutions​.

  11. Is the study considering the impact of the alternatives on the neighborhoods along the corridor?

    1. The environmental document has considered neighborhood impacts. Under any scenario, balancing the issues and needs of both the neighborhoods and the highway users is important. WisDOT has sought input from the local neighborhood groups on design aspects for the study.


  12. Will noise barriers be included in the alternatives?

    1. A noise analysis was completed. There was one location in the preferred alternative where a noise barrier was determined to be feasible​, reasonable and likely to be incorporated. The location is on the east side of US 51 between Commercial Avenue and Larson Court.

  13. How do alternatives address the needs of businesses along the corridor?

    1. The environmental document has evaluated the impact of all the alternatives on the businesses along the corridor. The study team recognizes that Stoughton Road serves one of Madison’s most important industrial areas, as well as defined areas of medical services, retail, commercial, and office businesses. The study team has met with businesses during the study, and a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of major employers and business groups along the corridor was convened for recurring meetings to share project information and obtain feedback. This will continue during the design phase.

  14. ​Will there be any Real Estate acquisition, and when?

    1. ​WisDOT will try to minimize impacts whenever possible. Actual acquisition for the preferred alternative would occur during design phase for the project.