Perry Street Study Frequently Asked Questions

The project is to consider alternatives to connect Perry Street over or under the Beltline.

The Beltline is a major barrier to movement across north/south travel in Madison and particularly in the South Madison neighborhood. Reconnecting Perry Street is identified as a priority in the City of Madison’s South Madison Neighborhood Plan (adopted January 2022) and is supported by the region’s long-range transportation plan, Connect Greater Madison 2050. The corridor is also included in the Madison Beltline Planning & Environmental Linkages (PEL) study, which is looking at crossings, multimodal access, safety and mobility. By adding a dedicated overpass near Perry Street, the City aims to improve options for all users—not only drivers, but bicyclists, pedestrians and transit—and to balance long-term mobility needs.

The project team is identifying design alternatives, including:

• Overpass (Perry Street over the Beltline)

• Underpass (Perry Street under the Beltline) 

• Bicycle and Pedestrian-only overpass

Details of these alternatives will be presented for public review and feedback in early 2026

• Pedestrians and bicyclists: a safer, more direct crossing over or under the highway.
• Transit users: improved alignment for bus stops, easier access across the corridor.
• Motorists: additional access point and alternate route for local traffic.
• Neighborhoods: stronger local connectivity, reduced detours, improved walkability.
• Businesses: better access to both sides of the Beltline corridor may support economic vitality.

The design will aim to provide safe, accessible features for pedestrians and cyclists, such as sidewalks, bike lanes or paths, lighting and barrier separation where needed. The goal is to ensure the overpass isn’t just for cars, but accommodates differing travel modes—helping to balance the needs of all users (drivers, transit riders, bicyclists, pedestrians) in line with the City’s mobility goals.

The purpose of the project is to improve travel for people going to homes, businesses and other amenities. The project team is currently obtaining traffic counts for existing volumes and will analyze high-level access changes and travel pattern changes. 

There is no active construction underway at this time. The City of Madison is currently in the planning and design phase of the project. Future construction would depend on funding availability, environmental review and City priorities along side with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Corridor Improvements. 

The likelihood of parking impacts will be evaluated and considered during the detailed alternative phase prior to selecting a recommended alternative. 

Right now, the corridor is undergoing a feasibility study, which will evaluate a range of alternatives to connect Perry Street across the Beltline (including overpass/underpass). A second round of public involvement will occur to obtain feedback on specific detailed alternatives. The outcome of the study will be a recommended alternative, in 2026.

At this stage, a precise cost estimate hasn’t been finalized for the design alternatives since it is still in the planning phase. Funding would likely come from a combination of state/federal transportation funds, local funds and possibly grants. 

Community engagement is an integral part of the project development. Public meetings, virtual engagement sessions and opportunities to provide feedback will be offered. The City will seek input on design alternatives, access points, safety features and how the crossing fits with neighborhood mobility and land use.

The North-South BRT project has a proposed shared use path on the west side of S. Park Street from W. Badger Road to Fish Hatchery Road. In addition, the City is looking at a potential bike connection on W. Badger Road.  

Coordination is currently taking place among the various project teams. 

The connection is expected to help reduce reliance on Fish Hatchery Road for north-south access and help reduce overall vehicle miles traveled through the City of Madison and City of Fitchburg.  

A park-and-ride lot is not part of the Perry Street project, but the concept may be reviewed by the City in a future project.  

Public involvement is a key component of this project. The City and consultant team are conducting two rounds of public engagement through 2025 and 2026, including surveys, public meetings and targeted outreach to neighborhoods and community groups.

Following the 60% design phase, the City will refine the preferred alternative and pursue funding opportunities for detailed design and construction. Construction timing will depend on state and federal funding availability, as well as other South Madison infrastructure priorities.