Madison launches major road construction projects on Midvale and Dayton | The Locally Times
Madison launches major road construction projects on Midvale and Dayton
Madison drivers must navigate significant traffic disruptions starting June 12 as the city begins major construction projects on Midvale Boulevard and West Dayton Street. These infrastructure efforts, which include road resurfacing and sanitary sewer replacement, are scheduled to continue through mid-July. The work coincides with a city-wide summer traffic safety initiative that began June 1, following a year that has seen five pedestrian fatalities on Madison streets. ## Midvale Boulevard Resurfacing Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, the city will begin a resurfacing project on Midvale Boulevard, spanning the distance from Mineral Point Road to University Avenue. According to the June 8 project announcement from the city, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction for the duration of the work. The project, managed by Payne and Dolan, is expected to span 4-5 weeks. Residents who rely on this corridor for daily travel should anticipate slower transit times during the construction window. While the city has not released specific detour maps for this project, the project website remains the primary source for updates on lane shifts and potential schedule adjustments. Traffic engineering staff, including Lukas Collins, are overseeing the project's implementation. ## West Dayton Street Sewer Replacement Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, the city will close westbound West Dayton Street to facilitate sanitary sewer replacement. The closure affects the segment between North Frances Street and North Lake Street and is scheduled to remain in effect until July 17. This work is part of the broader Hawthorne Court Reconstruction Project. To manage traffic flow during the closure, the city has established a designated detour route. Motorists traveling westbound will be routed via North Bedford Street to West Washington Avenue, then to Regent Street, and finally to North Park Street. R.G. Huston is the contractor assigned to the sewer replacement work. The city’s engineering department advises that this closure is necessary to complete the underground utility upgrades required for the Hawthorne Court project. ## Traffic Safety Context These construction projects occur as the city intensifies efforts to address traffic safety. On June 1, the Madison Police Department implemented a summer safety plan aimed at curbing speeding and preventing further pedestrian fatalities. While the city has requested the use of traffic enforcement cameras to deter speeding, current state law prohibits their implementation. Consequently, the city is relying on physical street design changes and increased police presence to manage reckless driving. The city maintains that every resurfacing or reconstruction project, including those on Midvale and Dayton, incorporates safety measures intended to reduce vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians. ## Key Questions **How will the Midvale Boulevard construction affect my commute?** Beginning June 12, Midvale Boulevard will be restricted to one lane in each direction between Mineral Point Road and University Avenue for 4-5 weeks, which is expected to cause delays. **What is the detour route for the West Dayton Street closure?** Starting June 15, westbound traffic on West Dayton Street will be detoured using North Bedford Street, West Washington Avenue, Regent Street, and North Park Street until July 17. **Why are these road projects happening now?** The city is conducting these projects as part of its ongoing infrastructure maintenance, while simultaneously pursuing a summer safety initiative to address the five pedestrian fatalities that have occurred in Madison so far this year.