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Components - Alternate route designations

Greater Milwaukee | Madison-area Blue route | Alternate route study

Alternate route designations are currently used in the greater Milwaukee and Madison areas.

Greater Milwaukee-area trailblazer system

The trailblazer system was originally constructed for the US 45 construction project in 2000-2001. It consists of a network of signs placed on WIS 100 to inform travelers of closed ramps and where they can enter onto the freeway. Each sign has arrows pointing to the direction travelers need to go to enter the freeway system.

There are currently six key intersections fitted with trailblazer signs on WIS 100 where travelers would normally access the freeway.

Madison-area Blue Route

The Blue Route is an alternate route signing concept for when a major incident on the interstate requires a lengthy closure or results in major delays.

When a major incident occurs on I-39/90/94 around Madison, electronic message signs will instruct interstate travelers to follow the Blue Route. Beginning at the next exit, static Blue Route signs have been installed that lead drivers off the interstate and along the Blue Route.

The electronic signs can be activated remotely, allowing the State Patrol and other responding agencies to better focus their resources on the critical incident scene.

The Blue Route uses US 51 (Stoughton Road) from US 12/18 (the Madison Beltline) at the south to its intersection with I-39/90/94 at the north.

I-39/90/94 alternate route study in Dane, Rock and Jefferson counties

WisDOT's Southwest Region's alternate route study is examining the freeway corridors in the Madison area to select alternate routes in the event of a crash or other emergency. These routes will be used to detour motorists and help them avoid major delays.

The study involves input from WisDOT, State Patrol, county, city, regional and private sector representatives who will develop an alternate route guide that best meets the needs of travelers.

The study corridors include I-94 between Madison and Milwaukee, and I-39/90 between Madison and Janesville.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Traffic Operations Center, statewide.toc@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: August 1, 2012