Kick-Off of Construction Season Includes Final Phase of $25 Million Monona Drive Reconstruction
May 10, 2013
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
County Executive
Largest County Road Repair Investment in Over a Decade Also Includes Improvements to Well-Traveled Rural, Suburban Routes
Now that warmer, drier weather has arrived, a robust construction season is kicking off in Dane County, with major improvements planned for area roads, including the final phase of a $25 million face-lift for Monona Drive (County Highway BB), Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
“Year after year, bit by bit, Monona Drive has been transformed into a safer, more beautiful route for the area’s residents and commuters,” said Parisi. “The completion of this multi-million dollar project was made possible through strong partnerships. After the dust settles and the last construction barrel is hauled away, we know motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will enjoy the changes.”
The County Executive’s 2013 budget included the county’s $1 million share of the $10 million final phase of the project. This phase of the project will span from Nichols to Winnequa Way and include increased safety measures for everyone who uses the road – on-road bike lanes for cyclists, sidewalks for pedestrians, and a multi-use path.
"After more than a decade of planning, design and construction, it is exciting to see the end of this major road project in sight,” said Monona Mayor Bob Miller. "Serving as Monona's ‘Main Street’, this project has been a wonderful example of business, residential and public cooperation working together to successfully complete this award winning highway project."
Once complete, the Monona Drive project will span from the Beltline to Cottage Grove Road for an estimated total cost of $25 million. The project is a partnership with the Cities of Madison and Monona, and includes state and federal funding.
The County Executive’s 2013 budget included $6.8 million for road construction, the largest transportation budget in over a decade. The investment is part of a total $16 million construction budget for improvements to Dane County highways this year. The additional $9.2 million comes from federal, state, and other municipal funding.
In addition to the Monona Drive project, well-traveled suburban and rural routes will also see improvements.
Resurfacing on County Highway W from US Highway 51 through US Highway 12 along the Towns of Deerfield, Christiana, and Albion has just begun. Projects with an estimated May start date include theresurfacing of significant stretches of well-worn County Highway A from State Highway 78 to County Highway G in the Town of Perry, and reconstruction of County Highway DM from County Highway V to the North Village Limits of Dane.
Reconstruction of County Highway PB from Sun Valley Parkway to County Highway M, near the Prairie Moraine Dog Park in the Town of Verona, is estimated to begin in July. The CTH PB project will include the addition of passing and turn lanes at busy intersections, including the Dog Park entrance at Wesner Road. Later in the summer, CTH B in the Village of Cambridge will also be reconstructed from the south village limits to USH 12/18.
When possible, these projects include the creation of bike lanes to protect cyclist and motorist safety, adding to Dane County’s reputation as a world-class cycling destination.
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