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I-39/90 project still a go, according to Cullen

MADISON — Sen. Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) said Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials assured him the Interstate 39/90 expansion project will continue on schedule, despite news reports that the agency had requested a two-year delay.

The project runs from the state line in South Beloit up to Madison, and construction is set to start in 2015, with an expected completion date of 2021.

According to a release from his office, Cullen contacted WisDOT officials to discuss the matter, and was assured that the project will continue on its established timeline based on funding projections for the 2013-15 budget.

“I was told that there have been no changes in the timeline for the expansion project,” Cullen said. “As of right now, the Department plans to shift resources internally in order to address funding concerns, but will continue to operate on a plan that leads to completion of the interstate expansion as previously projected.”

WisDOT officials did acknowledge that the timeline may need to be revisited if funding reductions are not restored in the 2015-17 state budget, but is only able to project through the 2013-15 budget based on budget estimations by the Department of Administration (DOA). WisDOT would not have a real understanding of the fate of 2015-2017 projects until the corresponding budget projections by DOA, but could ask for a delay if funding is not restored to the department’s budget for the 2015-17 biennium.

“I will continue to monitor the I-39/90 expansion project and keep in close contact with WisDOT officials to express my continued support for the interstate’s expansion and the growth it would bring to the 15th

Senate District,” Cullen said. “The impact a delay would have on the local economy and transportation infrastructure would be detrimental to our district and I am hopeful that the project can continue on its current timeline.”