New and ongoing construction projects will affect travel across the UW-Madison campus this spring. Students and employees should prepare for roadway, sidewalk and bicycle facility closures.
Ways to stay informed:
- Campus impacts: See our Spring 2026 Forecast Map (PDF) for work zones and alternate routes.
- Bus detours: Visit the Madison Metro Transit website. Sign up for text or email alerts about upcoming detours.
- City updates: For City of Madison projects, check their construction webpage.
Project dates and details are subject to change due to weather and other factors.
Jump to:
Engineering Drive and Philip A. Levy Engineering Center construction
N. Park & W. Johnson streets (Grainger Hall area)
West campus cogeneration facility (School of Veterinary Medicine area)
More projects
Engineering Drive and Philip A. Levy Engineering Center construction
Ongoing construction of the new engineering building in the south-central campus area continues to impact all travel modes.
Pedestrians
Many walkways are currently closed. To stay safe:
- Use designated pedestrian and accessible detours.
- Watch for construction vehicles and obey flagger signals.
- Do not walk in roadways or cross in the middle of the road.
Drivers and cyclists
Be aware of your surroundings and use extra caution when traveling in the area. Please yield to pedestrians.
The left turn from Randall Avenue to Engineering Drive is closed. To access Engineering Drive from the south, use these alternatives:
- Via Breese Terrace: Turn right onto W. Johnson Street., then right onto Engineering Drive.
- Via Randall Avenue: Continue to W. Johnson St., turn left, then make another left back onto southbound Randall Avenue to reach Engineering Drive.
Check the College of Engineering facilities webpage for detailed project updates.
N. Park & W. Johnson Streets (Grainger Hall area)
The Grainger Hall renovation project and construction of Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall will affect travel on N. Park, W. Johnson, and N. Brooks streets.
Pedestrians
- The sidewalk on N. Park Street bordering the site is closed.
- A protected, accessible walkway is available around the work zone.
Cyclists
- Bike lanes are closed on southbound N. Park Street.
- Be prepared to merge into traffic lanes where bike paths end.
- Use E. Campus Mall or N. Mills Street to avoid congestion.
Drivers
- Expect delays on southbound N. Park Street, especially during the afternoon/evening commute, as lanes merge near the work zone after W. Johnson Street.
- Southbound N. Brooks is closed. Grainger Hall Garage (lot 7) is only accessible via University Avenue. Left turns are not allowed when exiting the garage.
West campus cogeneration facility upgrade
Beginning February 16, critical utility upgrades near the West Campus Cogeneration Facility will change access to the Walnut Street Greenhouses and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Road closures
- Linden Drive will be closed to through-traffic just east of Walnut Street.
School of Veterinary Medicine
To reach animal care and emergency departments, travel northbound on Walnut Street, pass Linden Drive, and turn right onto Observatory Drive. The detour route will be marked with signs.
Parking impacts (lot 59)
Construction will affect lot 59. Permit holders: Please watch your inbox for an email with further details.
Other projects affecting campus travel
Lakeshore Path: Limnology Bypass
Reconstruction of the bicycle and pedestrian path near the Limnology Building resumes this spring.
- The path south of the Limnology Building is closed. Cyclists and pedestrians should detour around the north side of the building.
- Site restoration and landscaping are expected to continue through May 2026.
- Click here for project updates.
State Street Garage Mixed-Use Project
The City of Madison’s redevelopment of the Lake Street garage (between University Avenue and Langdon Street) continues to impact the area near Library Mall.
- Expect ongoing lane and sidewalk restrictions on N. Lake Street.
- Hawthorn Court has been converted to a one-way street to assist with traffic flow.
- Completion is currently expected in summer 2026.