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Consideration of request from Engineering Division to prohibit truck traffic on Swan Boulevard from Watertown Plank Road to Menomonee River Parkway
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP1
Department:
Department of Public Works-Engineering Division
A. Issue
The CP Rail low clearance bridge over Swan Boulevard is frequently struck by trucks.
B. Background/Options
Swan Boulevard is the property of Milwaukee County Parks from Menomonee River Parkway to south of Underwood Creek Parkway, including under the CP Rail low-clearance bridge. In the five-year period of January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, the CP Rail bridge over Swan Boulevard was struck 40 times by an overheight vehicle. The following table illustrates the distribution of crashes by year and direction.
The bridge has been struck twice more by southbound trucks from January 1 through February 15, 2024.
Trucks are prohibited by ordinance on Swan Boulevard from Menomonee River Parkway to the North City Limit. Though there is a sign at Watertown Plank Road prohibiting trucks in the northbound direction of Swan Boulevard, there is no ordinance prohibiting trucks on Swan Boulevard from Watertown Plank Road to Menomonee River Parkway. As such, there are no signs to prohibit trucks in the southbound direction at Menomonee River Parkway.
Engineering staff has been in recent communication with Milwaukee County Parks and CP Rail, and is working on a plan to improve low clearance warning signs on and in advance of turns to Swan Boulevard. The plan is for City staff to add/modify signs on City right-of-way while County Parks staff would consider adding/modifying signs on County right-of-way. Staff recommends prohibiting trucks on Swan Boulevard from Watertown Plank Road to Menomonee River Parkway. If prohibited, appropriate NO TRUCKING signs will be posted.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2. Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
D. Fiscal Impact
Minor expenses for the in-house creation and installation of signs. The existing sign budget will
accommodate these expenses.
E. Recommendation
Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to prohibit truck traffic on Swan Boulevard from Watertown Plank Road to Menomonee River Parkway.