Major interstate upgrade will address aging infrastructure, reduce congestion and support long-term economic growth.
Jacobs has been selected by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to support one of the largest interstate modernization programs in the state, focusing on improvements along the heavily traveled I-39/90/94 corridor.
The initiative will deliver comprehensive design and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, expanding capacity and strengthening the reliability of a critical transportation route that serves commuters, freight operators and tourism traffic across the region.
Major Corridor Connecting Key Wisconsin Destinations
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the interstate corridor linking Madison and Wisconsin Dells has become one of the most important transportation arteries in the state.
The route carries up to 109,000 vehicles per day and supports the movement of more than $100 billion in freight annually, making it essential for both regional mobility and economic activity.
The modernization program will focus on reconstructing and widening key segments of the corridor, while also upgrading interchanges and bridges to meet current and future transportation demands.
Jacobs to Lead Design Work on Key Segment
Under the newly awarded contracts, Jacobs will provide design services for several modernization segments spanning approximately 67 miles along the corridor.
The company will also serve as lead designer for Segment 3, which includes the major I-39/I-90/94 system interchange—one of the most complex components of the project.
According to project leaders, the design phase is expected to begin in 2026, with construction planned to follow in phases as the program progresses.
Planned Infrastructure Improvements
The modernization program will include a wide range of infrastructure upgrades designed to improve safety and accommodate future traffic growth. Planned improvements include:
- Widening sections of the interstate highway
- Reconstructing bridges and interchanges
- Building three new interchanges
- Raising roadway elevations to reduce flood risks
Transportation officials say these upgrades will improve travel times, enhance freight movement and increase overall resilience of the transportation network.
Supporting Economic Growth and Mobility
Tom Meinhart said the company’s involvement reflects its long history of supporting infrastructure development in the region.
He noted that the modernization effort will help create safer, more efficient transportation connections that support commerce and improve mobility for communities across Wisconsin.
The project also builds on the company’s previous transportation initiatives in the state, including improvements to major interchanges that have helped reduce congestion and improve traffic safety.
Global Transportation Expertise
Jacobs is widely recognized for its work in transportation infrastructure, moving people and goods through projects involving roads, rail systems, airports and maritime facilities.
Ranked among the top firms in the transportation sector by Engineering News‑Record, the company provides services across the full project lifecycle—from planning and design to program management and infrastructure delivery.
With annual revenue of approximately $12 billion and a workforce of nearly 43,000 employees, the company delivers engineering and consulting services across sectors including transportation, water, energy, environmental solutions and advanced manufacturing.
The modernization of the I-39/90/94 corridor represents a major step toward ensuring that Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure can support growing economic activity and travel demand in the decades ahead.
