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Residents of the 13th District now have another tool to slow down cars that are speeding in their neighborhoods. The Milwaukee Common Council in December passed a measure that will allow "traffic-calming" devices such as speed humps or mini-roundabouts to be installed in their neighborhoods.
Under the plan, residents can petition for a traffic calming device and if the city agrees it is necessary, they would be given several choices. A speed hump would cost about $3,000, while a mini-roundabout, or traffic circle, would cost about $10,000. If affected homeowners agree, 90% of the cost would be split among residents with the city paving fund paying the remaining 10%. Any 13th District residents who are interested can contact Ald. Witkowski's office.
"People want safer streets and this ordinance is a safety measure which will encourage slower driving, enhance pedestrian safety and allow residents to gain control of busy and dangerous streets," said Ald. Witkowski. Speed humps and traffic circles have been in place in several city districts on a trial basis and have received positive reactions from residents.
Edgerton To Have Traffic Calming Measures
This summer W. Edgerton Ave. from S. 13th St. to S. 20th St. will be rebuilt, and residents have voted on a plan that included traffic calming measures. The new roadway will have push outs at S. 14th, S. 16th, S. 18th and S. 19th Streets that will narrow the roadway, slowing traffic and giving pedestrians less roadway to cross. As part of the DPW traffic calming policy, I insisted that residents be offered traffic calming options when a roadway is reconstructed. I have also asked that DPW propose narrowing residential streets when they are reconstructed. The result is less pavement for residents to pay for, less pavement to maintain, plow and salt and less run off to be treated. Narrowing the street also slows traffic by giving it a congested feel. The wider and clearer a street, the faster drivers drive. |