John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Update

Beginning Monday morning, November 24, the John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Project will transition into Stage 2. During this phase, all traffic will shift to the existing northbound lanes. Southbound vehicles will be routed using the median crossovers constructed during Stage 1 at each end of the project area.

The Capital City Trail will remain open and accessible throughout this stage, with no changes to its current configuration.

This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until summer 2026, when the project will advance to Stage 3 and traffic will shift to the opposite side.

Upcoming Stage/Traffic Impacts – Stage 2

Work entails reconstructing southbound John Nolen Drive, reconstructing three bridges on the causeway, and the Bassett Street to Bedford Street pedestrian path.

• Traffic restricted to one lane each direction on existing northbound lanes.
• No left turns from Broom Street to John Nolen Drive.
• Nighttime full closures (causeway only) anticipated for bridge girder removal and girder installation.

Work Week of November 24

• Traffic moves to Stage 2.
• Traffic control devices, temporary pavement markings, and temporary signals will be modified for Stage 2 traffic.
• No work scheduled for Thanksgiving Day or the following day.

Work Week of December 1

• Cofferdam installation will continue. This work will start at the northernmost bridge on the lake side.
• Cofferdam installation is expected to take several weeks.

Traffic/Pedestrian/Bike Impacts

• The existing crosswalk at Broom Street will be closed starting the week of November 24. A new temporary crosswalk on the north side of Broom Street is in place will be the only crossing at Broom Street until the project is complete.
• The Capital City Trail will remain open. No additional trail disruptions are anticipated until summer of 2026. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount from their bikes when crossing active construction zones near Broom Street and North Shore Drive.
• Motorist should expect a new traffic pattern the week of November 24. All vehicles will use existing northbound lanes between Lakeside Street and Monona Terrace.
  • Southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane prior to entering the active work zone. Motorists should expect longer drive times.
  • Northbound traffic will see new message boards providing direction on where to “zipper merge”. Motorists should utilize all lanes and avoid early merging.

Please be alert when traveling along the John Nolen Drive corridor. Please note that some work is dependent on weather and may be subject to change. Thank you in advance for your patience throughout this project.

For project details and updates, please visit the John Nolen Drive project website.