Milwaukee Department of Public Works officials have unveiled a series of 45 “traffic calming” projects for 2024 in an effort to reduce reckless driving across the city.
The projects include raised crosswalks, curb extensions or bump-outs and full reconstruction projects on certain streets. They also include several more protected bike lanes across the city.
Reckless driving has plagued the city for years, but city engineer Kevin Muhs said he believes the work will help make the streets safer for everyone.
“We want everyone to feel safe and enjoy our streets, whether they’re walking, biking, taking transit or driving,” Muhs said in a statement.
The projects are dispersed throughout Milwaukee and are funded by the city, through state and federal grants and programs, and through federal pandemic relief aid.
Officials say concrete bump-outs near intersections can help reduce the number of vehicles passing on the right and help protect pedestrians. Work also includes engineering projects like narrowing some streets to one lane, and raised crosswalks and curb extensions near several schools.
“We know from resident feedback that it has slowed excessive driving speeds, reduced reckless driving and provided a safer environment for people walking and biking in this area,” Muhs said.
The number of pedestrian fatalities in Milwaukee was significantly higher than in any other county across the state last year, at 21 deaths, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
