Prepare for more traffic: Rebuilding John Nolen Drive starts in October

There's a public meeting September 22 for people to get more information about the project.

Savanna Tomei-Olson

Sep 8, 2025, 3:16 PM CST

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – The reconstruction of John Nolen Drive begins soon.

The city will be rebuilding all of John Nolen Drive. It’s quite an undertaking for one of the busiest thoroughfares into downtown Madison.

Stage one of the project is the southbound lanes of John Nolen Drive. That construction is set to start in a few weeks, in early October.

The city is hosting a public meeting for people to get more information about the project. It’s Sept. 22, and it’s virtual so anyone can attend via Zoom. However, you have to register beforehand. To register, click here.

Eventually, the Lake Monona shoreline will be redeveloped into the Madison LakeWay. That project can start once John Nolen has been rebuilt.

John Nolen is expected to be finished in 2027.

Savanna Tomei-Olson

Savanna Tomei Olson is Assistant News Director at Civic Media, guiding our news team in editorial decisions. She is also the reporter and voice behind newscasts on WMDX in Madison. Email her at savanna.tomei-olson@civicmedia.us.