As a result of concerns expressed by UW-Whitewater staff regarding pedestrian safety within the campus on Starin Road, the Common Council approved closing that portion of the road on a trial basis, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 7 to October 18. A prior article on The Whitewater Banner described some of the findings of that trial, including increased traffic on Main Street and Schwager Drive. The Public Works Committee on December 10 considered those findings, together with the unanimous recommendation of city staff against a permanent, partial closure of the road. Staff conveyed concern regarding increased police/fire/EMS response times and the fact that in the past five years there have been five pedestrian crashes on Main Street versus none on Starin Road. Suggestions that were offered included student education on “defensive walking” and additional signage at Prince Street and Graham Avenue. The university suggested closing the street during weekdays with the use of gates that would be remotely/electronically controlled for emergency vehicle entry.
The Public Works Committee ultimately supported a recommendation to the Common Council to continue to move forward with the closure of the street. Council members Majkrzak and Smith spoke in support of the closure, while Hicks stated that he would like to see the possibility of additional less intrusive options before resorting to the closure.
The Common Council will consider the Public Works Committee’s recommendation at its December 17 meeting. The agenda packet includes a memorandum from City Manager John Weidl, supporting staff’s conclusion not to close the road. He states that in doing so, “the roadway would be closed for approximately 94.87% of total workweek commute hours, leaving commuters to rely on alternative routes during critical peak travel times. Annually, this equates to the roadway being closed for roughly 25-34% of the total hours in a year. These closures would disproportionately impact local residents and businesses by increasing traffic congestion on Main Street and Schwager Drive while adding wear and tear to these already busy corridors.”
If, however, the Council wishes to further explore the proposal, Weidl strongly recommends “a longer, non-permanent test period and a structured approach to planning, cost-sharing and formal agreements.”
Additional information and comments may be found beginning on page 241 of the Council agenda. As always, citizen comments are welcome both by email or during the public comment period at the meeting in the municipal building on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
