Jacobs Secures Key Role in Wisconsin’s I-39/90/94 Interstate Modernization Program
Jacobs has been awarded multiple design contracts by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to advance one of the state’s most significant transportation projects: the modernization and expansion of the I-39/90/94 corridor. This critical highway corridor, built in the 1960s, is a vital link for commuters, freight, and tourism, carrying up to 109,000 vehicles daily and facilitating more than $100 billion in freight movement annually.
The comprehensive modernization program aims to reconstruct and widen key segments of the corridor to improve safety, alleviate congestion, and support long-term economic growth. By integrating advanced design and engineering solutions, Jacobs will help transform this heavily traveled route into a safer, more efficient, and resilient transportation artery that meets the needs of Wisconsin residents and businesses for decades to come.
Scope of Jacobs’ Engagement
Under the new contracts, Jacobs will provide design services across multiple modernization segments spanning 67 miles from Madison to Wisconsin Dells. Among these responsibilities, Jacobs will serve as the lead designer for Segment 3, which includes the I-39/I-90/94 system interchange—a critical node where traffic flows converge and diverge. The design services encompass interstate widening, interchange reconstruction, bridge replacement, and roadway elevation improvements to mitigate flooding and improve resiliency. The project also includes the development of three new interchanges to enhance connectivity and traffic efficiency.
Tom Meinhart, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to Wisconsin infrastructure projects. “Jacobs has been part of Wisconsin’s growth story for decades, delivering transformative water and transportation solutions and working with communities across the state,” he said. “That history reflects a commitment to innovation and resilience, and the I-39/90/94 modernization builds on that legacy. By leveraging our deep experience and local relationships, we’re creating safer, more efficient connections that strengthen commerce, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life for generations to come.”
Project Timeline and Modernization Goals
Design work for the corridor is scheduled to begin in 2026, with phased construction following to minimize disruption to commuters and freight movement. Key modernization objectives include:
- Widening the interstate to accommodate current and future traffic volumes.
- Reconstructing bridges and interchanges for improved safety and traffic flow.
- Raising roadway elevations to mitigate flooding risks and enhance resilience.
- Developing three new interchanges to increase regional connectivity.
These upgrades are essential for maintaining the corridor’s functionality as a high-capacity interstate, ensuring it can handle growing commuter and commercial traffic while supporting Wisconsin’s broader economic and industrial growth.
Jacobs’ Expertise in Transportation Solutions
Ranked No. 2 in Transportation by Engineering News-Record, Jacobs has a proven track record in designing and delivering complex transportation projects globally. From reconfiguring Wisconsin’s busy Zoo Interchange to enhancing safety and mobility through Ireland’s Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade, Jacobs leverages innovative and resilient design solutions to improve the movement of people, goods, and freight.
With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and nearly 43,000 employees, Jacobs provides end-to-end services across multiple sectors, including advanced manufacturing, cities and places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation, and water. The company offers advisory and consulting services, feasibility studies, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, all aimed at creating more connected and sustainable infrastructure.
Economic and Regional Impact
The I-39/90/94 corridor serves as a crucial economic artery, connecting central and southern Wisconsin. By modernizing this interstate, Jacobs and WisDOT aim to enhance regional commerce, improve travel safety, and facilitate more reliable freight transport. The corridor supports a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing to tourism, and is critical for connecting Wisconsin communities with major urban centers and national trade routes.
The modernization program also reflects growing attention to infrastructure resilience, with design solutions aimed at mitigating flood impacts and adapting to changing environmental conditions. By incorporating advanced engineering and planning techniques, Jacobs is helping ensure that this vital corridor remains safe, efficient, and sustainable for decades.
Forward-Looking Considerations
While the contracts represent a significant step forward, the project includes forward-looking considerations inherent in large-scale infrastructure programs. Factors such as project timing, funding availability under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, regulatory approvals, and potential economic or legislative changes may influence the program’s execution. Jacobs continues to monitor these variables closely to ensure timely and effective project delivery.
Commitment to Wisconsin and Beyond
Jacobs’ engagement in the I-39/90/94 modernization reflects its broader commitment to building resilient infrastructure that supports economic growth, mobility, and safety. By combining deep technical expertise with local knowledge and community engagement, Jacobs is helping shape the future of Wisconsin transportation while setting a benchmark for innovative, end-to-end infrastructure solutions across the United States and internationally.
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