Dane County: $3.7 million facelift for Fish Hatchery complete

Contact: Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858

Road Re-Opens On Schedule, All Four Lanes Available Friday

The $3.7 million facelift that began this spring on Fish Hatchery Road/County Highway D is complete on schedule, with all four lanes open beginning Friday, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.

Needed upgrades will help increase safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, and improve aesthetics on the major county route. The project spanned from Wingra Drive to Emil Street, and was made possible through cost-sharing partnerships with the City and Town of Madison.

“With Fish Hatchery Road safer and easier to use for those who commute on foot, or by car, bus, or bike, I hope everyone who has traveled this road in the last few months can forgive the dust and delays,” said Parisi. “This project represents a great partnership to improve our local infrastructure – completed safely, and on schedule.”

The upgrades to Fish Hatchery Road/CTH D were designed entirely in-house by Dane County Highway Department staff and created 133 jobs. The newly completed improvements include a new road surface, bike lanes, and pedestrian facilities. Landscaping will be completed once dry, hot weather subsides.

The federal government will fund nearly $1.3 million of the overall project costs, with the City of Madison contributing $1.4 million and the Town of Madison $163,000. The Dane County Board and the County Executive recently approved the county’s $957,000 share of the project.

“Partnerships between Dane County, the City of Madison, the federal government and other municipalities are key in many road projects in the area and I am pleased the City was involved in the Fish Hatchery Road improvements,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “The major thoroughfare is now safer and more efficient for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

The Fish Hatchery Road/CTH D project is one of several major improvements to county infrastructure approved by the County Executive in his 2013 budget, including upgrades to University Avenue/CTH MS, Monona Drive/CTH BB, and County Highway J.