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North‑South BRT advance moves to 30% design; public meetings scheduled
Summary
Project staff presented the North‑South bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor design progress, funding status and planned public outreach; staff said small‑starts federal funding remains in the pipeline but alternatives exist if federal rules change.
Project staff updated the Transportation Commission on April 23 on preliminary (30%) design and public outreach for North‑South bus rapid transit (Rapid Route B / North‑South BRT).
Mike Czakfala (project staff) said about nine miles and 23 stations remain to complete the route outside the Isthmus segment already built. The 30% design phase will lay out running‑way geometry, station locations and lane changes; staff said the project as currently scoped would include center‑raised platforms, heated shelters, real‑time signs, traffic‑signal priority, and all‑electric 60‑foot buses (buses already purchased for the East‑West BRT are available).
Czakfala said federal Small Starts funding for the project remains in the Federal Transit Administration pipeline but that the agency has signaled uncertainty at a national level. "We're proceeding with the assumption we'll apply for a Small Starts grant," he said, but also noted staff has been developing alternative approaches and phasing scenarios to bring BRT to the corridor if federal conditions change.
Planned 30%‑design topics to be discussed with the public include reconstruction limits on South Park Street (staff said current funding limits would reconstruct Park Street from Fish Hatchery to Wingra Creek but that staff are pursuing options to extend reconstruction to Badger Road), proposed left‑turn removals, bus‑lane locations, pedestrian safety features, and a proposed loop reversal near the Northport/Kennedy charger site. Staff scheduled a virtual public meeting April 30 and in‑person sessions May 1 (UW), May 13 (Park Street/Labor Temple) and May 15 (Fitchburg City Hall). Staff estimated construction in 2027–2028 and service start in 2028 pending funding and schedules.
Commissioners and public attendees asked detailed questions about left‑turn removals, station types, signalized crossings and the project cost mix; staff said estimated project cost is roughly $180 million and that roughly a third of that is Park Street reconstruction under current assumptions. Staff said they will publish 43 boards in three geographic groups (Fitchburg, South Madison, North Madison) for 30%‑design outreach and invited written comments to brt@cityofmadison.com.
