A construction project to install the West Interceptor – Shorewood Relief sewer pipe
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is replacing critical wastewater infrastructure near UW Hospitals and Clinics this summer, impacting Highland Avenue access.
The Highland Ave. Sewer Project is part of a larger construction project to install a sewer interceptor first built in 1916. This large pipe must be installed to address system capacity needs due to high residential and business growth in Madison’s near west side, Middleton, Shorewood Hills and Westport. Installing this pipe helps ensure the safe, reliable movement of wastewater to protect public health and the environment.
This project will require phased closure of the on- and off-ramps at University Avenue/Campus Drive and Highland Avenue, May through September 2025. This will have significant traffic impacts and require detours to UW Hospitals and Clinics, Forest Products Laboratory and the VA Hospital. University Bay Drive will remain fully open.
Tentative traffic control stages
- May 12: Construction begins
- Mid-May to late June: Westbound off-ramp to close
- Sat., May 17: Westbound off-ramp and westbound on-ramp to close for partial day
- Late June to early July: Westbound off-ramp, westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland to close
- Early July to late July: Westbound on-ramp and southbound Highland to close
- Late July to late August: Westbound on-ramp to close
Dates are approximate until construction begins. Dates may vary depending on weather, ground conditions, etc. Check back for additional details on the schedule.
Construction Updates
Access construction updates for the Highland Ave. Sewer Project and the West Interceptor – Shorewood Relief.
Traffic Impacts
View road closures and recommended detours on the UW-Madison Transportation Services website.
Alternate Bus Routes
Visit the City of Madison Metro Transit website for affected routes and upcoming detours
Get Traffic Updates for Highland Ave.
Sign up here to stay informed of key changes to road closures and detour routes for the Highland Ave. Sewer Project. For more detailed construction updates, follow our project page.
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