Madison Will Close Highland Avenue for Track Repairs
The road will shut down between Campus Drive and the VA driveway from October 9 through October 14.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Highland Avenue in Madison will close for railroad track replacement starting at 5 a.m. on Friday, October 9. The closure is expected to last until 5 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14.
Why it matters
The project is necessary to replace deteriorating railroad track crossings that pose a safety risk to commuters. The closure will impact access to major medical facilities, requiring motorists to follow established detours.
The project entails a full closure of Highland Avenue between Campus Drive and the VA hospital driveway. Crews from Wisconsin & Southern Railroad will conduct repairs through the weekend and regular daytime hours.
The players
Wisconsin & Southern Railroad
This regional rail operator is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the deteriorating track crossings.
UW Hospital
Located adjacent to the closure area, this major medical facility will remain accessible via detours.
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
This hospital sits directly next to the construction site and requires specific traffic U-turns for access during the closure.
The details
Drivers heading eastbound will be routed to Walnut Street, while westbound traffic must use University Bay Drive. Vehicles requiring access to the UW Hospital and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital will need to navigate a southbound U-turn at the VA driveway, as all pedestrian sidewalks crossing the tracks will also be closed.
Timeline
The Highland Avenue road closure begins at 5 a.m. on Friday, October 9.
The closure is scheduled to end at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the City of Madison Public Works recurring infrastructure maintenance schedule designed to modernize aging transit corridors. The work reflects a broader push to prioritize rail safety within urban transportation grids.
Commuters should anticipate significant travel delays and adjust their daily travel routes to account for the detours. Patients or visitors intending to reach the UW Hospital or VA hospital must follow the posted U-turn signs to ensure timely arrival.
The takeaway
Travelers are advised to plan for extra time during the five-day work period and avoid the immediate area if possible. Checking local transit maps before departure will help drivers navigate the required detours efficiently.
Further reading
For more information on local disruptions, visit the Openings & Closings section.
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Do you trust that local road maintenance projects are managed effectively to minimize community disruption?
