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Consideration of request of Engineering Division to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph along Wisconsin Avenue from North 95th Street to Mayfair Road with the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction project
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP1
Department:
DPW - Engineering Division
A. Issue
The redesign of Wisconsin Avenue, to be completed in Year 2027.
B. Background/Options
Wisconsin Avenue is an arterial urban street with an existing posted speed limit of 30 mph from its eastern terminus at Prospect Avenue in downtown Milwaukee to 95th Street. The street is posted at 35 mph from 95th Street from Mayfair Road.
There are two planned construction projects along Wisconsin Avenue in 2027. One of the projects will introduce a multiuse trail along the north side of Wisconsin Avenue from Honey Creek Parkway to Mayfair Road. Another will reconstruct Wisconsin Avenue from 98th Street to 106th Street - including curb extensions and crosswalk enhancements - as well as construct existing gaps in the sidewalk network along the south side of Wisconsin Avenue to Mayfair Road.
The Engineering Division recommends reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph along Wisconsin Avenue from North 95th Street to Mayfair Road upon completion of the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction project to be consistent with the context of the reconstructed arterial street. If approved, Wisconsin Avenue will be a consistent 30 mph from Prospect Avenue to Mayfair Road with project completion.
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 signs and sign posts will be funded through the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction project.
E. Recommendation
Direct staff to prepare for the Common Council an ordinance to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph along Wisconsin Avenue from North 95th Street to Mayfair Road with the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction project.