Madison Beltline Planning and Environmetal Linkages (PEL) Study

The purpose of this email is to keep you informed on the progress of the Madison Beltline Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. The study is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It covers 20 miles of the Beltline from US 14 in Middleton to County N in Cottage Grove. This email will provide you with an update on the Beltline Study, where to find additional information about the study, and who to contact with questions.

Study update
Over the past year, the corridor study team has gathered feedback from the public, local officials, businesses, residents, and state and federal agencies. This information, along with a wealth of information about existing corridor conditions collected by the study team, helped them develop the Beltline Corridor problem statement, goals and objectives. The objectives focus primarily on reducing congestion and crashes and improving mobility for all modes of travel.

Documentation about the problem statement, goals and objectives can be viewed at the project website by clicking on the Reports link: www.dot.wi.gov/projects/swregion/madisonbeltline/reports.htm

The problem statement, goals and objectives were then used to develop screening criteria. Over the past six months, the corridor study team has been developing a range of multi-modal strategies and evaluating them against the screening criteria. Multiple corridors and strategies are being investigated, as shown below.

Thus far, the study team has investigated a north corridor and alternative modes (such as transit) options. Improvements through the Isthmus, Beltline, and a south corridor will also be investigated over the next few months. Strategies that show promise will be moved forward in the PEL process and will be investigated further in a future environmental impact statement (EIS). An updated project schedule can be found on the website by clicking on the Schedule link:

www.dot.wi.gov/projects/swregion/madisonbeltline/schedule.htm

At this time, we are midway through the PEL study and working to develop, evaluate, and screen broad strategies. After this step, there will be a series of public information meetings in the fall of 2014.

The study team is also in the process of developing an existing conditions report that encompasses the following information:

Section 1 - Economics

Section 2 - Origin-Destination Study

Section 3 - Pedestrian/Bikes

Section 4 - Operations

Section 5 - Transit

Section 6 - Safety

Section 7 - Geometrics

Section 8 - Environment

Section 9 - Trends/Land Use

 

This report identifies the current state of the Beltline in these categories and also takes into account past and future transportation trends. Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are completed and can be found on the project website by clicking on the Reports link:

http://www.dot.wi.gov/projects/swregion/madisonbeltline/reports.htm

Presentations on current information about the PEL study have recently been provided to many communities and local organizations. This presentation can be found on the project website by going to the Public involvement tab and clicking on the following link:

www.dot.wi.gov/projects/swregion/madisonbeltline/docs/ss2014.pdf


If you would like WisDOT to make a presentation to your group, please contact Cole Buergi, cbuergi@lfpublicrelations.com or by phone: (920) 965-7750 ext. 168.

Additional information
Please visit the study website: www.madisonbeltline.dot.wi.gov

While you are visiting the website, you can sign up for email updates (if you already haven’t done so) and submit your questions or comments to us.

Also, follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WIMadisonBeltlineStudy

Beltline Study contact information
If you have additional questions or comments related to the study, please contact:

Larry Barta
WisDOT Project Manager Southwest Region
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704-2583
Phone: (608) 246-3884
larry.barta@dot.wi.gov

Steven Theisen
WisDOT Communications Manager
Phone: (608) 884-1230
steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov