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Lien
Rd Round-A-Bout Delay Possible
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
August
19, 2008
The round-a-bout planned for the intersection of Lien Rd, Thompson Dr and Zeier Rd could now possbily
be delayed until 2010 due to budget constraints facing the city. The round-a-bout was originally planned for 2008
and was delayed until 2009. The 2009 budget, which could still include funding for the project, has not been completed
by the Mayor.
If the round-a-bout is delayed until 2010, it would coincide with the replacement of
the I-39/90/94 bridges over Lien Rd and the expansion of Lien Rd to 4 lanes under the interstate. This could confound
traffic problems experienced due to construction.
Roundabout on East Side is planned By Quinn
Craugh, Wisconsin State Journal
March 4, 2008
In an attempt to fix a notoriously dangerous intersection, Madison officials plan to build what will be one of the city
's busiest roundabouts yet.
Construction on the intersection at Lien, Thompson and
Zeier roads near East Towne Mall is set to begin next year. Madison traffic engineer David Dryer estimated the cost to be
near $2.3 million and said it should prove to be more efficient than traffic lights. He said the roundabout would be
110 feet in diameter and provide an "inner circle " in the middle of the intersection that is meant to slow traffic.
He said there are about 10 roundabouts in the city. According to the state Department
of Transportation, roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by 90 percent and injuries due to crashes by 76 percent. Ald. Joe
Clausius, 17th District, said the roundabout is going to be one of the largest in the city, as measured by traffic volume.
Dryer said 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles drive on the intersecting roads of Thompson, Zeier and Lien daily. The number is roughly
60,000 on busy East Washington Avenue. He also said the new roundabout would be equal in size and traffic volume to the one
at Thompson Road and Commercial Avenue. Clausius encouraged the plan because of the tremendous amount of expected growth
in the area. He also said the three intersecting roads proved to be extremely hazardous and said the roundabout would "relocate
the entire intersection." According to city traffic statistics, 27 crashes occurred at the site from 2004 to 2006. The
statistics for 2007 weren 't available. Still, Clausius said he received some negative feedback at first about the
project. Not only will the construction coincide with the next phase on East Washington, but it will also close down some
lanes. Dryer said he hears mixed reactions to other roundabouts in the city because of the "headache" they
can initially cause. "I think, overall, there is a love/hate relationship with roundabouts," Dryer said. (Note:
The preceding article first appeared in the March 4th, 2008 Wisconsin State Journal. The project,
originally slated for this year, has been pushed back to 2009.)
Neighbors See Lien Road Plan at Meeting
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
06/29/07
Ridgewood neighborhood residents had the opportunity to view several displays showing the details of a major reconstruction
project involving Lien Rd. on Madison's far east side. Of particular interest to neighborhood residents was the timeline
for the reconstruction of Lien Rd. and the proposed round-about for the Lien/Zeier/N. Thompson intersection.
City officials commented that a variety of city agencies are going to review the proposals over the next several weeks.
In addition, the public is invited to several meetings to voice their concerns and/or ask questions.
These meetings will be held at the City-County Building on Martin Luther King Dr in downtown Madison. The Board
of Public Works will meet on July 18. The Pedestrian Bike and Motor Vehicle Commission will meet on July 24. The
full City Council is scheduled to review the proposals on August 7.
Lien Road Reconstruction Timeline
Lien Road Roundabout Proposal
Another Round-About for Ridgewood?!
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
June 15, 2007
A third round-about for Ridgewood Neighborhood leads the list of alternatives for the reconstruction of the Zeier Rd.,
Lien Rd. and N. Thompson Dr. intersection. This intersection, adjacent to the PDQ gas station, is slated for realignment
in 2008.
The City of Madison is hosting a public information meeting on June 26th at 6:30pm at the East Side Public Works facility
on Sycamore Ave. All neighborhood residents and businesses are encouraged to attend.
More information on the meeting, the project, and maps can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
City of Madison Public Meeting Notice
Lien Road Project Set to Move Forward
By Joe Campana, RNA Co-Chair; Contibutions from Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
March 4, 2007; Updated March 17, 2007
The city of Madison announced in a recent meeting, that the re-construction of Lien Road is scheduled to
begin this year. The project, spanning several years, will widen Lien Road from N. Thompson Dr. to Felland Rd and extend
Lien Rd. to Reiner Road.
The construction will involve several phases including:
- Widening Lien Rd. to four lanes (2007).
- Reconstructing the intersections of Lien, Zeier, and N. Thompson (the PDQ corner) as a straight 4-way intersection. One
of the preferred proposals is to construct a roundabout (2008).
- Extend Lien Road from Felland Rd. to Reiner Rd.
- Widen the I-90/94 Underpass to Four Lanes (2010).
The construction, beginning in April, will likely have a significant impact on traffic in and around our neighborhood;
it will impact how you commute to work, commute to local conveniences, and how you access major highways and the interstate.
Local businesses are likely to be affected by the construction as are rental property owners.
On March 17, 2007, the city released a letter to the neighborhood with important information on the
construction to take place in 2007. A map detailing the construction planned accompanied the letter.
To view the letter, click here.
To view the map, click here.
In addition, the City presented proposals for the reconstruction of the "PDQ Corner" to a small group of neighbors,
mostly RNA Council Members, at a recent meeting. The RNA Council and other neighbors in attendance asked the City to
hold another meeting where the entire neighborhood is invited and where additional questions can be answered.
In addition they asked the city to review the full schedule with the neighborhood, so residents and businesses are well
informed, and so they can make appropriate plans during this multiyear reconstruction project.
If the city holds such a neighborhood meeting to fully explain the reconstruction schedule and other details
we requested, we'll announce those details on this webpage. Please be sure to check back for this news and any other
information regarding this project. For now, be sure to click on the links above to read about the project and its potential
impacts on our neighborhood.
In addition, we need a few things from you.
- Help us update our email database. Send us changes to your email address or let us know to remove you if you have moved
from the neighborhood.
- Who do you know who has moved into the neighborhood within the last three years? Please send them an email informing them
of this website, and request that they send an email to the address below.
- We also will need volunteers to help distribute fliers for the next meeting. Let us know if you would be able to
distribute about 25 fliers to other doors in your area.
Stoughton Road Public Information Meetings to be Held
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
March 20, 2006
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced that they will be holding two public information meetings to
present the alternatives for the Stoughton Road (Hwy. 51) Corridor Study. The meetings will be held on Wednesday, March
29 at MATC in room 142 and on Thursday, March 30 at LaFollette High School in the cafeteria.
Both meetings will present the same information and will be held in an open house format with short, formal presentations.
The March 29th meeting will run from 4pm to 8pm with presentations at 4:30 and 6:30. The March 30th meeting will run
from 5pm to 8pm with a presentation at 6:00.
Citizens are encouraged to attend the meetings to hear about and comment on the proposed alternatives. Comments
from the public will be used to refine and assist in the selection of a "prefered" alternative. Members of the DOT will
be on hand to answer questions as well.
Click here for the March 2006 Stoughton Road Corridor Study Newsletter which will provide much more detailed information.
Major Road Construction Projects Announced for Madison Area
By Jeremy Kautza; RNA Webmaster
December 30, 2004
The State Department of Transportation and City of Madison have released information on transportation improvements for
the state for the next 5 years. In addition to the major reconstruction of East Washington Avenue (see related story
below), several major projects will take place in the Madison area. The table below summarizes several of these projects.
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Year
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American Pkwy to Main St (Sun Prairie) |
Reconstruct and convert to a freeway with interchange at CTH C and Reiner Rd |
2005
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Interstate 39/90/94 to Felland Rd |
Resurface with new asphalt |
2005
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Bridge over Interstate 39/90 |
Reconstruct and widen bridge to 4 lanes with bike lanes |
2006
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Bridge over Starkweather Creek to Mendota St |
Resurface with new asphalt |
2006
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USH 12/18 ("The Beltline") |
Seminole Hwy to Fish Hatchery Rd |
Resurface with new asphalt |
2007-09
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Major reconstruction of interchange (for more info click here) |
2007-09
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Interstate 39/90 to CTH N (Cottage Grove Exit) |
Reconstruct from 4 to 6 lanes; add park-and-ride lot; reconstruct CTH N interchange to increase capacity
and safety
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2007-09
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Bridge over Interstate 39/90 |
Reconstruct and widen bridge to 4 lanes with bike lanes |
2008
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Underpass at Interstate 39/90/94 |
Reconstruct and widen to 4 lanes |
2008
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Bridge over Interstate 39/90 |
Reconstruct and widen bridge to 4 lanes with bike lanes |
2008
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As with any road construction project the dates are tentative. Other major projects in the Madison area include
resurfacing and reconstruction/widening of USH 14 from the beltline to STH 92 (south of Oregon). This project will begin
in 2006 and be completed in 2009. Interstate 90 will also be resurfaced from CTH N (Cottage Grove exit) to STH 73 (Marshall
exit) sometime between 2007 and 2009. Interstate 94 will be resurfaced from the beltline to USH 51 in 2011.
For a complete listing of city projects click here.
For a complete listing of state projects in District 1 (southwest WI) click here.
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| East Washington Construction Moves to Madison's Far East Side Next Spring |
East Washington Ave. Construction Begins Mid-March 2005 on Madison's Far-East Side
By Jeremy Kautza; RNA Webmaster
November 4, 2004
Construction on Segment 5 of East Washington Avenue is scheduled to begin in Mid-March of 2005. Segment 5 is the
stretch of the avenue from Melvin Ct. to Thierer Rd. Plans have already been completed and the construction contract
will be awarded this December.
Segment 1, from Blair St. to Thornton Ave., is almost complete. The work
on this portion was done in stages to allow at least two lanes of traffic in both directions throughout the project.
Segment 5's construction will follow a similar schedule.
Despite the efforts to maintain through traffic, the Department of Transportation expects substantial delays during peak
traffic hours, especially at the Stoughton Rd. (Hwy. 51) intersection. Motorists can avoid this intersection
by taking Interstate 90-94 east to Highway 30. This unofficial detour will actually bypass all of the
construction.
Residents of the Ridgewood Neighborhood should be alert for an increase in traffic along N. Thompson Dr. as
our own residents and traffic destined for East Towne Mall may use this "back-road" route as an alternative. Please
be patient during construction and obey all traffic laws.
To read the entire East Washington Ave. Project Newsletter from October 2004, click here. You can also go to the project's homepage by clicking here.
Roundabouts Now Open
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
Oct. 22, 2004
Madison's newest and only roundabouts opened this past week on the far-east side. Located at two intersections--the
confluence of traffic on Thompson Drive, Commercial Avenue (CTH T), and the Hwy. 30 off-ramp--the roundabouts are in response
to the previously deteriorating traffic conditions in the area.
After pressure from the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association, three governmental agencies joined forces to come up
with the alternative. The City of Madison, Dane County and the State of Wisconsin all contributed to
the project. Roundabouts were the traffic control measure of choice and although residents will have to get used to
this new form of intersection control, extensive studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traffic signals at many
intersections.
Although it seems as if traffic is moving much more smoothly and efficiently through the area, the success of the design remains
to be seen. As drivers enter the roundabouts, they must yield the right-of-way to traffic traveling in the roundabout.
Lane changes once in the roundabout should be minimized. Drivers should also obey a posted speed limit of 15 mph
in the roundabout and be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Read the "Wisconsin State Journal" Just Ask Us column on the roundabouts below and to the right. Also, take the
poll below to register your opinion of the new roundabouts. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for more pictures.
"That Intersection" Construction On Schedule
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
September 19, 2004
Construction on the traffic control circles at the intersection of N. Thompson Dr., Commercial Ave. and the Hwy. 30 off
ramp is proceding as scheduled. Curb and gutter has been laid for much of the project already and paving is scheduled
to begin shortly.
The traffic circles are designed to allow traffic to flow more efficiently through the intersection, especially
drivers turning left onto N. Thompson Dr. from the Hwy. 30 off-ramp. Long plaguing east-side residents, the redesigned
intersection is set to be open again in mid-October.
The project is a joint venture of the city of Madison, Dane County and the state of Wisconsin.
Road Construction in Ridgewood Heats Up
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
August 12, 2004
Road Construction projects have begun in earnest in the surrounding area. Of course, the multi-year E. Washington Ave. project has been going on for months, but more locally several projects have started on Madison's far east side.
In the Ridgewood Neighborhood, two traffic circles have recently been installed at the intersections of Oak Valley/Glacier
Hill and Oak Valley/Bultman. The purpose of these traffic circles is to help moderate (calm) traffic speeds and
to make those intersections safer.
Traffic circles seem to be the new intersection control method as they are also being built at the Hwy. 30/Thompson Dr/CTH T intersections. Work on this project began Aug. 2 and is scheduled to run through most of October. Click on the
link in this paragraph or the picture above for a project newsletter from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Construction of a new road serving the 8 properties to be developed by Veridian homes between Ridge Oak and Southridge
has also begun. The "Drumlin" will feature "manor style" homes with prices starting around $400,000.
Finally, the long-awaited stop lights have made their debut at the intersection of Thompson and Sycamore.
As you drive through the neighborhood, please be cautious in and around construction zones and as always, observe the
speed limit and all other rules of the road.
Neighborhood Traffic Updates
By Jeremy Kautza
December 19, 2003 -- Traffic always seems to be a concern in the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association. So much
so that many of us take time out of our busy schedules to lobby our leaders to do something about it. Well, this time
our efforts have paid off. Santiago Rosas announced in late November that a stop light is being planned for the intersection
of N. Thompson Dr and Sycamore Ave.
Other traffic calming devices are coming right around the corner as well. Look for the traffic circles at the intersections of Thompson, Commercial, and Highway 30 to be constructed about a year from now. This state project
with funding from federal, county, and city sources is on schedule.
Finally, you may have noticed that the traffic circles at the Oak Valley/Glacier
Hill and Oak Valley/Bultman intersections painted in. Because of weather conditions, construction may not
begin until Spring. The purpose of the traffic circles is to help moderate (calm) traffic speeds and to make those
intersections safer by using circles as a form of traffic control. In the interim -- please remember to yield the "right
of way" at all intersections. Neither vehicles on Glacier Hill nor Oak Valley have the right of way! If you and
another vehicle are approaching an intersection, the one approaching on your right has the right of way. You must slow down
or stop to allow them to go through the intersection. This rule of the road applies to all intersections absent of stop
and go signals.
--Joe Campana contributed to this report.
Lien Road Expansion Plans Unveiled
Future Road would be Four Lanes and Extend out to the Reiner/Sprecher Road Corridor
By Jeremy Kautza; RNA Webmaster
June 26, 2003
Future plans for the upgrading of Lien Road were discussed at the RNA Open House on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Although
dependent largely on future budgets and committments from the State Department of Transportation, improvements would include
widening the corridor between the Interstate and Zeier Road to four lanes. Additionally, Lien Road could be extended
further to the East to join with Reiner Road and the Lien/Zeier Road and Thompson Drive intersections realigned.
Improvements to the corridor are necessary to accomodate increasing traffic volumes due to projected development in the
area. Midland Builders is looking to develop land just to the east of the interstate. The new development, called
Autumn Lake, is scheduled to begin build-out in 2004. As such, improvements to Lien Road east of the interstate will
begin next year with Midland Builders funding up to 1/3 of the cost of the improvements.
Another new development on the drawing table is by GoldLeaf (see story above). The Autumnwood III complex would
include plans for widening Lien Road to four lanes between the Interstate and Zeier Road. Due to extreme topographical
conditions the westbound side of Lien Road would be at a substantially lower elevation than the eastbound side. Access
to both would be available at Glacier Hill Drive and also at the newly aligned Zeier Road/Thompson Drive intersection.
The state Department of Transportation has plans to reconstruct the Interstate's bridge over Lien Road in 2008.
As such any widening of Lien Road may have to wait until then. In the mean time, the city plans to acquire the right-of-way
necessary to make the improvements. A preliminary plan appears below.
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| Lien Road expansion plans (west) |
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| Lien Road expansion plans (east) |
Stoughton Road (Hwy. 51) Needs Assessment Meetings Held
Residents attend open house to learn more about traffic issues on Madison's East Side
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
April 07, 2003
East side residents had the opportunity to attend one of three open houses during the week of April 7, to view charts
and graphs detailing the data collected on east side traffic patterns in a recent study done on the Stoughton Road corridor.
In addition to this data, projections for traffic counts, intersection workability, and growth in employment and development
through the year 2030 were presented. A short video was available for residents to view as well.
A state DOT official told me that no long term plans were "officially" in the works, but several short term solutions
could be in place in a year or two. These short term fixes include synchronizing traffic signals at Buckeye, Pflaum,
Broadway and the Beltline ramps; an overpass over the beltline at Marsh Road; increasing ramp capacity at the beltline and
Stoughton Road; and improvements in pedestrian and bicycle mobility.
The DOT official also hinted at the beginning of a second study that would weigh pros and cons of several long term improvements,
such as widening the entire roadway to 6 lanes and constructing overpasses and interchanges, similar to the one at Milwaukee
Street, at Buckeye and Pflaum Roads. An interchange at East Washington will also be studied in the future, but most
likely not in time for alterations to be made to the existing plans for the East Washington Reconstruction project to take
place between 2004 and 2009.
For more information on the study or to view information about other road construction projects in the area, follow the
appropriate link below.
Stoughton Road Needs Assessment Newsletter--March 2003 (You will need Adobe Acrobat to view)
Stoughton Road (Hwy 51) Needs Analysis Website
Stoughton Road (Hwy 51) Needs Assessment FAQ's
East Washington Avenue Reconstruction Website
Madison Road Improvement Projects through 2008
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| A State Department of Transportation official explains the roundabout option to residents |
Modern Roundabouts Proposed for "That Intersection"
Residents Hear Alternatives and Voice Concerns to State DOT Officials
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
February 03, 2003
Nearly 100 people attended a Public Information Session conducted by the State of Wisconsin Department of
Transportation on Monday evening to hear three alternatives addressing traffic concerns at a busy intersection on Madison's
far east side.
That intersection is the confluence of three heavily-trafficed roadways, each falling under a different
governmental jurisdiction. Thompson Drive, a city roadway, and Commercial Avenue (County Highway T), together with the
off-ramp from State Highway 30, have plagued local residents for years. With traffic projections showing worsening conditions,
the three units collaborated on a study for alternatives. "It has been understandably difficult to get all three
of these governing bodies to work together on this project, but now that they have, they have attacked the project with fervor"
said Joe Campana, ENPC coordinator. At the meeting, the DOT said that a solution could be in place by the end of
2004.
At the meeting residents voiced concerns over the alternatives presented, but after hearing the DOT's presentation, voted
unanimously for the modern roundabout option. The DOT had a preliminary work-up of the intersection for residents to
study, if the roundabout option was utilized. That work-up appears below.
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| The DOT proposed alternative |
For further reading, click on the link below to go to an article that appeared
in The Capital Times regarding the roundabout alternative.
East Side Traffic Plan Eyed
An East-Side Beltline?
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
February 03, 2003
Will Madison get an East-Side Beltline? State Department of Transportation officials
admit that very informal talks have begun on the possibility of creating a major throughfare on Madison's far-east side.
The DOT said, however, that the route would not be like Madison's already existing beltline. Instead
it would be "at grade," meaning no overpasses or interchanges would be built. In fact the only possible interchanges
would be at Hwy 12/18 and again at Hwy 151--the beginning and ending points of the road.
As seen in the map below, the road would run along the Reiner/Sprecher corridor, eventually meeting up with
County Highway AB (see yellow highlighted segment). If the roadway were completed it would likely reduce the amount
of stress projected traffic volumes would place on the Hwy 51/Stoughton Road corridor, as well as local arterials such as
Thompson Drive.
There are no official plans for the road to be built, nor are there any in the works--currently it's
just an idea. A similar idea in the 1990's gave birth to the North Mendota Parkway, or North Beltline, currently in
the final stages of planning.
Other major road improvements in the area, do have the "green light." Click on the "Madison Road Improvement
Projects" link (located above) to go to the ENPC website and see a list of Madison's major roadway projects through 2008.
While on this site, scroll down to see a detailed description of several East Side Road Projects that will affect our neighborhood.
--Joe Campana, ENPC Coordinator, contributed to this report.
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| Madison's East Beltline? (Picture courtesy of Mapquest.com) |
Prompt snow removal necessary for neighborhood safety
By Jeremy Kautza, RNA Webmaster
December 08, 2002
With the winter season fast approaching, and having already had our first measurable snow fall, the city
of Madison and the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association would like to remind residents to promptly clear their sidewalks of
any ice and snow.
Last year several residents received fines for non-compliance with the snow removal ordinance. Bob
Schaefer, who serves on the PMVB Commission, reports the following information which should be noted by all residents:
"Madison City Ordinance 10.28 requires that sidewalks be cleared of all snow and ice not later than 12:00
noon of the day following each snowfall. In cases of non-compliance, the city crews will clear the snow and the property
owner will be billed (minimum of $40)."
Please help keep our neighborhood a friendly and safe place to live. Remove snow and ice from sidewalks
promptly!
Attempted Burglaries and Entries Reported
By Joe Campana; RNA Co-Chair
November 25, 2002
This weekend there were several incidents of attempted entries and burglary in the Ridgewood Neighborhood.
Bob Schaefer (RNA Traffic and Safety Co-Chair) reported that entry was attempted at a number of homes on Saturday morning
around 3:30 AM. The culprits were checking for unlocked side garage doors and patio doors. Entry was gained to
one of our neighbors homes through an unlocked side garage door and unlocked door between the house and garage. Several
items were reported stolen. The thieves also vandalized several latched patio screen doors in the neighborhood by cutting
the screens to check for unlocked patio doors.
The BEST way to PREVENT neighborhood crime is through awarenss and by making the crime difficult
to committ. To this end, please make sure you lock all entries into your home. That includes keeping your
garage door shut. If a would-be burglar doesn't find the entry to the home to be easy, chances are they will leave in
search of a home that is easier to break into.
Also, if you see ANY suspicious activity notify the police department immediately by calling 911. To that
end, be watchful of not only your property, but that of your neighbors. If we look out for each other, thieves
are less likely to target our neighborhood because it will be more risky.
Neighborhood Traffic Issues Update
By Joe Campana, RNA Co-Chair
Madison (10.29.02)--There have been several focus group meetings that Bob Schaefer (RNA Traffic and Safety Chair) and
I have participated in concerning the Stoughton Road Needs Analysis, which is being conducted by the State DOT. Bob
and I were recently appointed to Stoughton Road Needs Analysis policy advisory committee by the Madison Common Council.
This study that charts out the long-term needs of Hwy 51 is expected to be completed later this year. (Highway 51 is a State
Highway)
Phase I of the STH 30/N. Thompson Dr. (intersections) study and modeling has been completed, and the results are being
reviewed by city, county and state officials. Their next step is to propose traffic management alternatives that will affect
4-5 intersections in that area.. We are planning to have a neighborhoods forum in November as originally planned when we helped
initiated this study earlier this year.
The City is now talking seriously about widening Lien Road to four lanes. The developer who was planning senior housing
was told he would have to set back the housing further on the Gerke Property because two of the four lanes will be at the
bottom of the bluff. The I-94/90 Overpass would have to be widened in order to handle the traffic. Widening Lein Road
would keep more traffic out of our neighborhood and provide an alternative to N. Thompson Dr.
During the summer, we have had some participation of our residents in the ENPC sponsored "Speedwatch Program." Considering
all the concern that our residents have about speeding however, the participation in the program has been low. We are still
interested in continuing the program and encouraging residents to take control of the traffic situations in their neighborhood
by participating in the program.
What do those "Blue Route" signs mean on Stoughton Rd?
Madison (05.22.02)--Motorists traveling US 51 between Madison's Beltline Highway (US 12/18) and I39/90/94
may notice new "Blue Route" signs posted along the roadside. The signs were recently installed by the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation (WisDOT) and are part of a pilot program with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to test a new signing
concept for an alternate route to the interstate. The Wisconsin State Patrol estimates the segment of I39/90/94 between the
Madison Beltline and Stoughton Road is closed twelve times each year due to a crash or other serious traffic incident. To
provide relief to traffic delays caused by these incidents on the interstate, the Blue Route has been established along the
parallel route of US 51 (Stoughton Road) to serve as a reliever or alternate route. In the event of a crash, road construction
or other serious traffic incident on the interstate, the Wisconsin State Patrol will be able to activate portable message
signs that will direct travelers to exit the interstate and follow the permanent Blue Route markers to bypass the incident.
"The Blue Route is a very useful tool for motorists who my be unfamiliar with an area and find themselves stuck in congestion
due to an incident," said David Huntley, Madison district traffic engineer. "The route will help keep traffic moving by guiding
motorists around an incident and back onto the interstate so that they may continue their journey. This helps to save time
and improve traveler safety." Data on travel time, secondary crashes and driver perceptions are being collected by University
of Wisconsin researchers to evaluate this pilot signing concept and route. Motorists who are directed to use the Blue Route
will have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience to the department through an on-line survey. The survey
can be found at www.broute.net. The University of Wisconsin will compile this feedback, along with other data, into a report that will be used
to help determine the effectiveness of this alternate route-signing concept for consideration in other locations. WisDOT and
University officials anticipate that the report will be released in the spring of 2003.
"As traffic congestion levels continue to rise, the need for integrating public safety and transportation systems planning
and design efforts has become increasingly important," Huntley said.
The "Blue Route" pilot program is part of the Southwest Wisconsin ITS Program. WisDOT's statewide program, also known as
SmartWays, uses Intelligent Transportation Systems to address our state's transportation challenges and to help you travel
better. For more information about SmartWays and the Southwest Wisconsin ITS Program, go to the WisDOT website at www.dot.state.wi.us.
Thompson Drive Striping to be Completed This Summer
By Joe Campana--April 25, 2002 Madison--The City of Madison has made a committment to complete the N. Thompson
Traffic Calming Project by late July. This project involves re-striping the remaining portion of N. Thompson Drive from Sycamore
Avenue south to Commercial Avenue. The committment from the city came after several neighborhoods, all part of the
Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council, made a plea to city to finish the project. The requests were made at the Pedestrian,
Bicycle, and Motor Vehicle Commission last Tuesday, and subsequently at a meeting with City Officials last Wednesday.
Intersection to be Studied
By Joe Campana--Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council
April 9, 2002
The State Department of Transportation
will be performing an integrated traffic management study at four intersections that affect the Ridgewood and Burke Heights
Neighborhoods and others. The result of the study will provide information on how to make these intersections safer and friendlier
to pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic flow.
Four intersections (1) N. Thompson Dr. and County T (Commercial Ave.);
(2) Commercial Dr. and Pulley Dr. (3) The Hwy. 30 off-ramp and N. Thompson Dr.; (4) Swanton Rd. and N. Thompson Dr. will be
studied by TranSmart Technologies under contract to the State DOT. The study will begin this spring, and results and recommendations
should be available late this year for neighborhoods to review at a forum.
At a public hearing held on March 25, TranSmart
engineer Steve Manganiello described the details of the study. One result of the study, will be a motion picture generated
by computer modeling of the four intersections. This will allow residents and engineers to see how different traffic control
methods actually affect the traffic flow. For example a motion picture of the traffic flow can be viewed showing what the
affect of traffic lights would be at the intersections. We can visually see if using traffic lights at intersections makes
the traffic flow more smoothly or if they cause more congestion. This computer modeling and visual method allows catching
problems before spending tax money on constructing traffic controls that might not solve a problem.
Over 50 people
from eight different Eastside Neighborhoods attended the hearing on March 25. The hearing was sponsored by the Ridgewood Neighborhood
Association, the Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council, and the Countys Transportation Committee, led by Chairperson David
Wiganowsky. Many residents and neighborhood leaders expressed their concerns over these intersections and many completed questionnaires
which will be considered by TranSmart when they perform the study. For further information and input, please contact Joe Campana.
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| "That Intersection"--Hwy. 30, Commercial Ave. & Thompson Dr. |
Neighborhood SpeedWatch Program Update
By Joe Campana, Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council April 9, 2002 Ever wonder just how fast that speeding
car is going down your neighborhood street? Ever wish you could do something to slow cars down? Now we can. The Eastside
Neighborhoods Planning Council together with the Madison Police Department have initiated the "SpeedWatch" Program. This is
how it works, and how you and your family can get involved. Volunteer an hour or two a year to work a SpeedWatch in
your neighborhood. The Neighborhood SpeedWatch Coordinator (Bob Schaefer) will provide you the coaching, instructions,
and materials and show you how to get a "Speed Board" from the police department. You and your team and family set
up the speedboard roadside. Sit back on your lawn chairs, relax, enjoy the weather, and watch cars go by. The Speed
Board shows drivers how fast they are going most people who are speeding will get the idea very quickly, and will make an
effort to slow down. Its a way to self-educate drivers by bringing their speeding to their attention. For excessive
speeders, record a full description of vehicles and the driver. The Madison Police Department will send warning notices to
those excessive speeders that you provide a full description for. With the limited number of patrol cars we have on
the Eastside, this is a great way for citizens to become involved in traffic and pedestrian safety, help the neighborhood,
and help the police department and the city by volunteering one or two hours a year. Contact Bob Schaefer if you are interested
in participating in this new program. SpeedWatches will begin as soon as it warms ups.
Stoughton Road Needs Analysis Meetings Get Underway
Kim Lobdell--Project Manager for the USH 51 Needs Analysis April 3, 2002 The Wisconsin Department of Transportation
(WisDOT) has begun a Needs Assessment for Stoughton Road (USH 51) from Terminal Drive/Voges Road in McFarland to IH 90/94.
KL Engineering is leading the consultant team that will assist WisDOT in this effort. You are invited to participate in the
Bicycle & Pedestrian Focus Group Workshop for the Needs Assessment. The workshop will be held at the District
One WisDOT office at 2101 Wright Street, Madison, on April 11, 2002 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Peter Flucke of WEBIKE
is assessing bicycle needs for the project. This workshop is one of five scheduled with various interest groups as part of
the extensive public outreach program for the study. The Bicycle & Pedestrian Focus Group Workshop will focus on issues
concerning the present and future needs of bicyclists and pedestrians in the project area. The workshop will be
an interactive format; all who attend will be invited to participate. The Needs Assessment study is to be completed
by the end of 2002. The purpose of the study is to identify the existing problems and emerging issues along the corridor.
We will not be addressing any solutions at this time unless an immediate issue is identified. If the study indicates that
there is a need for further analysis, there could be subsequent phases of the study.
Important Neighborhood Forum on "That Intersection" Planned for March 25
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| The intersection of N. Thompson, County Highway T, Commercial Ave., and State Highway 30. |
By Joe Campana--March 15, 2002 Madison--On Monday, March 25 from 5:30-6:30 there will be a public hearing/outreach
held to get input on the four interrelated problem intersections. These intersections are: N. Thompson and Commercial
Ave. N. Thompson and the Hwy 30 Off-ramp N. Thompson and Swanton Rd. Commercial Ave. and Pulley Dr. The
meeting will be held at the Sycamore Utility Building at 4602 Sycamore Avenue. Over the last several months our neighborhood
leaders in conjunction with the Neighborhood Planning Grant Team and the Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council have been
working with the County Transportation Committee Chairperson, David Wiganowsky to fix the problems at these intersections.
The Transportation Committee along with representatives from the State DOT, City Traffic Dept., and a Transportation
Consultant will be listening to our concerns. One member of each neighborhood will speak, however, each of you is asked to
come to the meeting and complete a questionnaire between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. It is important that we get as many questionnaires
completed and submitted "for the record" so we can get the job done and get it done right. These intersections have been a
problem in our neighborhood, the district, and the entire Eastside for several years, and they have been ignored by the State
and County representatives until we took action last year. We have a commitment from the State to perform a traffic
management study THIS YEAR-- but to insure that it gets done this year, we need as many people to show up and fill out questionnaires
as is possible so the record shows a substantial interest by the people. After the public input session, the Transportation
Consultants will give an overview of what they are proposing to do, and there will be time for questions and answers. At
7 PM, we will introduce the new Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council Speed Watch Program. I will make some brief introductory
remarks, and the Madison Police Department will describe how they will support "hands on" neighborhood efforts to control
speeding in the neighborhoods. If you or any of your neighbors have ever complained about speeding -- we can take a proactive
approach by participating in this exciting new program that ENPC is sponsoring.
US 151/Interstate 90 Interchange Construction Report
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| The beginnings of the new southbound on-ramp from High Crossing Boulevard to Interstate 90. |
March 15, 2002 Madison--Construction on the US 151/I-90 interchange has begun and will continue through December
2002. This project will reconstruct all the ramps at the interchange. In addition, a southbound on-ramp and a northbound off-ramp
will be added at High Crossing Blvd. The most notable impacts are on the interstate between High Crossing Boulevard
and Lien Road. The Interstate has been restricted to two lanes in each direction. This restriction will last through the month
of April and accomodates the construction of new collector/distributor lanes between High Crossing and Lien. It also allows
construction crews to complete the necessary bridge work. A weekly email will be sent out to interested residents
on the progress of the project. It will also detail upcoming lane closures and construction activity. To receive the update,
send an email to sandra.spann@dot.state.wi.us, and ask that your name be added to the US 151/I-90 Construction Update. There
is also a WisDOT hotline with recorded updates at 242-8000.
"That Intersection"
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| "That Intersection" at dusk. |
By Joe Campana--2/15/02
Madison--One of the most common concerns among neighborhood residents has been the intersection of N. Thompson
Dr., Commercial Ave. (County Highway T), State Highway 30, and Swanton Rd. This area has been long referred to as "that intersection"
by many residents. RNA Co-Chair, Joe Campana said, "That intersection has been a mess for years and should have been addressed
years ago by those responsible."
As a proactive neighborhood association, Ridgewood has been working on bringing a
resolution to the traffic woes that plague "that intersection." Through the results of our neighborhood planning grant traffic
study, the RNA was able to approach the new Chairman of the County's Transportation Committee, Supervison David Wiganowsky
with concerns. Dave graciously agreed to help the neighborhood get the tri-governmental (city, county and state) intersection
addressed. In a recent meeting where representatives from all three governing bodies were present, an agreement was reached
to take the initiative to begin improving traffic management in the area.
The first important step is a public meeting.
All neighoborhood residents in the area are invited to provide public input on Monday, March 25 at the Eastside Public Works
Facility from 5:30 until 7:00pm. City, County and State officials will be present to listen to your concerns.
Know Someone With a Lead Foot?
By Sue Zernicke--2/15/02 Madison--In a recent email from Capt. Jill Klubertanz (new East District Commander),
our neighborhood was reminded of the usefulness of the speeder's hotline. Not only is this hotline good for reporting speeders
it also allows us to leave information about other chronic traffic problems. When calling be ready to leave the location and
time of day the problem occurs and any other information such as license plate numbers. This information is sent to the Traffic
Team and other relevent bodies. Jill also reminded us that concerned neighbors go a long way in addressing traffic
concerns. The Speeder's Hotline phone number is 266-4624.
Is a Traffic Signal Coming to a Corner Near You?
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| Corner of Sycamore and N. Thompson |
By Bob Schaefer--August 15, 2002 Madison--On Tuesday, August 28th, in Room 260 of the Madison Municipal Building,
the Pedestrian-Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Commission will discuss the priority list of intersections for traffic lights. The corner
of North Thompson Drive and Sycamore Avenue is currently number 30 of 70 on that list. If you think this traffic signal needs
to be moved up on the priority list, your voice needs to be heard. Contact Bob Schaefer at bobcat4057@aol.com for more information.
North Thompson Drive Striping Underway
By Jeremy Kautza--July 15, 2001 Madison--In the month of June, the city of Madison began work on striping part
of North Thompson Drive on Madison's far east side. The project is part of the city's plan to help reduce traffic and speeding
along a busy street carrying traffic between Highway 30 and the East Towne Mall area. The new striping allows
only one lane of traffic in each direction. A bike path in both directions is also part of the new design, which restricts
parking to only one side of the street. A center lane on North Thompson Drive will be for left turns only. The City
had hoped to complete the project in the fall of 2000. However, because of a shortage of paint and the early cold weather,
the project was delayed until recently. Due to construction to widen North Thompson Drive at the Sycamore Avenue intersection
the project is not yet fully complete. The city plans to finish striping the remaining portion as soon as construction is
finished.
City Bans Train Whistles--Council Sides With Residents, 16-1
By David Callender, The Capital Times--July 10, 2001 East side residents who have suffered from wailing train
whistles at all hours of the night are in for some relief soon. On a 16-1 vote, the City Council Tuesday night approved a
ban on train whistles at virtually all car-train intersections in Madison. The ban will take effect Oct. 1, after the city
mounts a major safety campaign to keep drivers and pedestrians out of railroad crossings when trains are approaching. The
ban comes after years of feuding between the city and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, which uses tracks primarily on the
east and near east sides of town for freight service. "Simply put, all of our efforts over the years have been met
with tremendous frustration in trying to deal with the infamous Wisconsin & Southern Railroad," said Ald. Mike Verveer,
District 4. "It's like banging your head against a wall trying to get them to do something, no matter how minimal." Neighborhood
residents expressed even more outrage over the problem. "This has been a continual problem for eight years," said Dennett
Drive resident Helen Furth, who said she and her husband are awakened as many as six times a night as trains enter a crossing
a few blocks away. "The lack of a good night's sleep, she said, has resulted in "terrible headaches, and our immune systems
have become run down so we get more colds, flu and other illnesses." Other east side residents told the council that
train operators even target neighborhoods where "some of us have had the audacity to complain about the problem," in the words
of resident Steve Rudolph. Schenk-Atwood neighborhood association spokesman Michael Jacob called the train whistles
"an environmental poison ruining the quality of life for those in the immediate area (of the tracks) and for those who are
further removed." The city ordinance bans the use of train whistles at controlled auto and pedestrian crossings -
such as those where a gate or lights are present, or roughly 80 percent of the crossings in the city - unless there is an
immediate danger. Each violation is subject to a fine of $200 to $500 plus court costs. Trains are still permitted to blow
their whistles at uncontrolled intersections, such as those marked with only a railroad crossing sign. Critics argued
that the ban is unenforceable because a new federal law requires trains to sound their whistles at all intersections. But
city staff members and supporters of the ban responded that some members of Congress, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert,
R-Ill., have blocked implementation of the law until additional administrative rules are approved. That could take years and
might still allow some communities to ban the whistles. Madison joins about two dozen Wisconsin communities that ban
train whistles. State accident statistics show no significant difference between communities with such a ban and those without
it.
Beltline Ramp Meter Pilot Project Underway
By Jeremy Kautza--July 10, 2001 Madison--The Wisconsin Department of Transportation began a pilot project in
July to determine if ramp meters can help reduce crashes and congestion on the Beltline. Ramp meters are traffic signals placed
on a highway entrance ramp to break up large groups of vehicles entering a highway during rush hour. Ramp meters allow traffic
to more easily and safely merge onto the highway. The Beltline ramp meters are located on the eastbound entrance ramp
at Whitney Way, both westbound entrance ramps at Fish Hatchery Road, and both westbound entrance ramps at Park Street. The
ramp meters will typically operate only during the morning and evening rush hours, from about 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm. Since
late April construction crews have been installing the ramp meters and upgrading the entrance ramps at these locations. Now
that construction is nearly complete and the ramp meters are operating, the Beltline should be less of a headache for travelers.
We have all experienced rush hour traffic where speeds slow dramatically to 25 mph. Many of us have also seen at least
one accident. In fact, the Beltline has higher than average statewide crash levels during rush hour. Ramp meters are
thought to improve traffic flow and have been found to reduce the frequency of crashes by 15 to 50 percent and decrease travel
times by 8 to 60 percent in other cities. Traffic modeling indicates that Beltline ramp meters would reduce crashes and increase
the slowest traffic speeds. The meters are only undergoing a pilot program. University of Wisconsin researchers will monitor
and evaluate the program's results. They expect to issue a report in November 2002.
Traffic Issues Meeting Ends in Consensus
August 24, 2000 - Ridgewood and Burke Heights residents met at the East Side Streets Division building on Thursday, August
24 to hear about a traffic study done on Thompson Drive earlier this year. The report contained a lot of great information,
although almost none of the information surprised meeting attendees.
The City of Madison Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division made the recommendation to repaint Thompson
Drive to include (from one side of the street to the other): a 9-foot parking lane, a 5-foot bike lane, an 11-foot traffic
lane, a 13-foot center left turn lane,
another 11-foot traffic lane, and finally, another 5-foot bike lane. Some attendees expressed concerns about their ability
to turn on to Thompson if all traffic is squeezed down to a single lane in each direction, but after some discussion, the
group generally supported the repainting.
A public hearing on this matter is planned for September 26 at 5pm in room 260 of the city/county building. Comments
prior to that hearing can be sent to City Traffic Engineer David Dryer at ddryer@ci.madison.wi.us.
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