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Consideration of request to amend Section 11.36.190 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code to prohibit left-turns at all approaches to the Center Street and 115th Street/Wauwatosa West School Driveway intersection upon completion of the Year 2024 Center Street pavement project
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP1
Department:
DPW-Engineering
A. Issue
The planned design for the Year 2024 Center Street pavement project necessitates the need to prohibit left-turns at all approaches to the Center Street and 115th Street/Wauwatosa West Driveway upon project completion.
B. Background/Options
The Year 2024 Center Street pavement project extends from 114th Street to 117th Street. As a Type D project, defective sections of curb and gutter will be replaced, as will the entire pavement between curbs.
The Engineering Division strives for complete streets on all of its projects. The plan for Center Street includes the following elements.
• On-street bicycle lanes.
• Curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossings.
• Replacement of the sidewalk on the north side of Center Street with a 10-foot multi-use path.
• Realignment of the Eisenhower Elementary Driveway across from 116th Street (to be reimbursed by the Wauwatosa School District). The driveway, which currently operates as an egress-only driveway, will operate as a two-way driveway with the realignment.
• A raised median on Center Street through the Wauwatosa West Driveway and 115th Street. The raised median will provide a two-stage pedestrian crossing, eliminate traffic conflicts, and serve as a traffic calming measure.
• Accessible sidewalk from Center Street to Eisenhower Elementary School and Wauwatosa West High School (to be reimbursed by the Wauwatosa School District).
All movements are currently allowed at the Center Street and 115th Street/Wauwatosa West Driveway. It is recommended to prohibit left-turns for all movements to accommodate the project plan.
Note that City staff met with staff of the Wauwatosa School District to present the concept for Center Street, which was well received. Staff also presented the driveway realignment and accessible sidewalk concepts with the District’s Finance & Resource Committee for its use in budgeting. The project plan as presented relies on the Wauwatosa School District’s commitment to funding the driveway realignment and accessible sidewalks.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2. Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 2. Ensure the City’s infrastructure supports public health through multi-modal transportation and recreation opportunities.
D. Fiscal Impact
Costs to prohibit left-turns at all approaches to the Center Street and 115th Street/Wauwatosa West Driveway will be covered by the Year 2024 Center Street pavement project.
E. Recommendation
Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to amend Section 11.36.190 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code to prohibit left-turns at all approaches to the Center Street and 115th Street/Wauwatosa West Driveway intersection upon completion of the Year 2024 Center Street pavement project.