The City of Madison has applied for TAP funding to complete a critical segment in the plan to link the Capital City Path in Madison to the Glacial Drumlin trail at Cottage Grove Road. Phase 1 of this connection is a path from Wagon Trail to just east of I-39/90. It will include an at-grade crossing of the railroad at Wagon Trail and a path under the Interstate using the existing railroad bridge underpass.
In the fall of 2023, the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization announced the approval of more than $17 million in federal funding to go towards local projects. $6.69 million of that chunk of federal funding has been set aside for the Glacial Drumlin/Capital City Connection, which will cost $11.1 million in total. The new multi-use path will include 4,200 feet of boardwalk and a spur trail to a new parking lot for trailhead access.
Bicycle trips between Madison and Cottage Grove will be significantly safer and easier with this connection. It will increase the number of people choosing to bike both between Cottage Grove and Madison and will also assist people looking to reach other communities like Deerfield, Lake Mills and Milwaukee. The recreational opportunities will support the economic vitality of all the linked communities and this connection will also provide access to jobs in the growing communities of Madison and Cottage Grove.