John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Meeting and Survey

The City of Madison is proposing to reconstruct John Nolen Drive between North Shore Drive and Olin Avenue. The goal of the project is to improve the transportation safety for this corridor for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles. The project's scope includes replacing the six bridges on the John Nolen Drive causeway, which are approaching the end of their service life. The adjacent Capital City Trail is also planned to be reconstructed to create additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, particularly where it is narrow over waterways. A pedestrian and bike underpass between North Shore Drive and South Broom Street is also under consideration. In addition, partial shoreline replacement is being evaluated.

The planning and design process is scheduled through 2025, and will include analysis of existing conditions, feasibility studies and a community engagement process to inform preliminary and final designs. Construction is scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

This project will be planned and designed in coordination with the City’s ongoing Lake Monona Waterfront Improvement project, which encompasses Law Park and Olin Park.

You are invited to attend the first public information meeting for the project on Monday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a short online survey available here.

The purpose of the meeting and survey is to gather initial input from the community on their thoughts regarding John Nolen Drive. The input will be used to develop different options for the roadway, multiuse path and shoreline design. For additional information on project, including how you can stay updated, visit the project website.