'I want everyone to feel safe': New construction projects aim to reduce reckless driving in Milwaukee

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- People driving throughout Milwaukee will be seeing a lot of construction projects this year, with roughly 50 projects on the books for 2023.

"You'll see more crews, you'll see more traffic cones, you'll see more orange barrels across the entire city," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "That's not bad news. That's actually pretty good news."

While construction can be an annoying factor drivers have to deal with on the streets, the mayor says projects like one taking place on W. Walnut Street will help improve infrastructure in the city and address an issue his administration is working to reduce: reckless driving.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, 41 reckless fatal crashes were reported in 2022, with nine already reported this year.

"What people really dislike is senseless, reckless driving," Mayor Johnson said. "I want everyone to feel safe, and with that comes good road design to prioritize that."

According to the Department of Public Works website, the project's awarded contract was $8.1 million, with 80% set to be covered by federal aid and the city covering the other 20%. It will go from N. 20th Street to N. 12th Street.

"This will be a first of its kind project in the city of Milwaukee," said City Engineer Kevin Muhs. "It will be transformative for this area."

Project goals include repaving the roadway, managing driving speeds and making travel safe for all users. This includes the installation of raised crosswalks, bump-outs and a raised protective bike lane separated from cars.

Joyce Ellwanger has been living near W. Walnut Street for years and says she's happy to see the work being done to address the road conditions and reckless driving.

"We've seen a lot of changes for good in the neighborhood, and I think one of them is indeed, regulating the traffic," Ellwanger said. "I'm very careful when I walk and I'm very careful when I drive, and I think these are improvements that will make our neighborhood safer for all of us."

Her neighbor, Joyce McGhee, agreed.

"It's designed to slow traffic down, so that's what we're looking forward to," McGhee said. "I'm looking forward to seeing and experiencing it firsthand. I'm hoping it's going to make me feel safe."

Muhs says the majority of the work on the project, including the driving lanes, the bike lanes and the sidewalk, will be completed in late 2023. Crews will come back in 2024 to complete tree plantings and street lighting.

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