Drivers on Starin Road between Prairie and Prince Streets are encountering a plethora of new signs, reflecting changes that the Common Council approved on a trial basis in an effort to improve pedestrian safety. If these changes are not deemed to be effective, it’s likely that the road will be closed for most of the day, Monday through Friday, during university sessions. The speed limit for the entire section of Starin Road is now 15 mph versus the 25 mph limit that is in effect nearly everywhere in the city. Stop signs have been added for Starin Road traffic at Prince Street and at Warhawk Drive. Prominent signage is now posted at some of the crosswalks reminding drivers of the state law requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians. Florescent flags call attention to all of the changes. Consideration had been made for temporary installation of speed bumps, but that measure has not been implemented.

As was previously reported in the Banner, at its December 17 meeting the City of Whitewater Common Council declined to adopt the part-time closure of Starin Road that was recommended by the university and the city’s Public Works Committee. Those recommendations came after a two-week trial when the street had been closed for most of the day on weekdays. University staff had requested approval to erect an electronic gate which would close on a part-time basis the portion of Starin Road from Warhawk Drive to the street to the east of the bookstore. After a considerable number of public comments and lengthy council discussion it was ultimately decided to implement a number of traffic calming measures on a trial basis through the spring semester. The council will review the outcome of the trial in its second meeting in June, with the expectation that if it is not successful in improving pedestrian safety, they would consider moving forward with plans for a part-time closure in time for the fall semester.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com