Madison’s Department of Public Works announced that John Nolen Drive will be fully closed on the causeway overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. The closure is part of a scheduled bridge‑girders project that requires ample space for heavy‑lift cranes.
Closure Schedule
The southbound lane will begin closing at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The northbound lane will follow at 7:30 p.m. The roadway is expected to reopen to traffic by 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, allowing commuters to resume their normal routes early the next day.
Detour Routes
During the closure, drivers traveling northbound on John Nolen Drive will be directed to use Olin Avenue as a detour. Southbound traffic will be rerouted onto North Shore Drive. Signage will be posted well before the closure time to guide motorists safely around the work zone.
Purpose of the Work
The city explained that the temporary shutdown provides the contractor with the necessary clearance to position and operate the cranes needed to install the new bridge girders. This infrastructure upgrade is intended to improve the long‑term safety and durability of the causeway, which carries a significant volume of daily traffic across the Madison area.
Impact on Residents
While the overnight closure may inconvenience some commuters, city officials emphasized that the limited time window minimizes disruption to weekday traffic. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow the posted detour signs. The city will monitor traffic flow throughout the night and will adjust signage if needed.
Public Communication
The City of Madison has posted the closure details on its official website and on social media channels. Residents can also receive real‑time updates through the WMTV15 News app or the WMTV15 First Alert weather app, both of which provide notifications about road conditions and other public‑safety alerts.
Looking Ahead
This work is part of a broader series of infrastructure improvements planned by Madison’s public‑works department. Future projects may include additional bridge repairs, roadway resurfacing, and upgrades to pedestrian and bicycle pathways. The city remains committed to maintaining safe, reliable transportation routes for families, commuters, and visitors alike.
For more information, drivers can contact the Madison Department of Public Works at (608) 555‑1234 or visit the city’s official website.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
