Rebecca Kemble, District 18 Alderperson

As I campaigned for office in 2015 I heard three recurring themes about mobility and transportation safety from residents. I’m happy to report that we’re making progress on all of these.

1. People who rely on the bus to get home from the Northside TownCenter wait outside in all kinds of weather with their shopping without a bus shelter. Several complicated real estate easement and other negotiations had to occur before a plan for installing the shelter could occur. Last year the agreement was finalized and Metro poured a new pad where the shelter will be installed. As part of the land use agreements for the construction of the Willy Street Co-op patio, the Center owners agreed to build an ADA path from the parking lot down to the new bus stop. Once that has been built, Metro will install the shelter.
2. Families who live on Northport west of Troy Dr. experience drivers racing at highway speeds past their front yards. Since it is a state highway, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has some authority over traffic signals, and they have rejected the idea of putting one at School Road due to the hill. However, our city traffic engineer has agreed to install permanent radar speed signs outbound between Barby and School and inbound between Northridge and School. Expect to see them within the next few months.
3. My predecessors on the City Council have all made it a priority to improve pedestrian access under the railroad bridge over Troy Drive between School and Marcy. Because the owner of the railroad controls what happens there, it has been difficult to make progress. Earlier this year city engineering began moving forward with a study to determine costs of replacing the narrow, dark, damp, oval walkway with a brighter, better-drained passage that would be wide enough for bicycles and pedestrians. They’ll also begin negotiations with the railroad about other ways to improve the underpass.

The other persistent issue has been speeding on Troy Drive west of Northport. Traffic engineering is holding firm that speed bumps cannot be installed there because it is a fire and bus route. I am still pushing for an all-way stop at the Hovde intersection, even though it doesn’t meet the criteria for stop signs.