MONROE - Slow down on Wisconsin 69.
That's the emphatic message this weekend from local law enforcement officials, as they prepare to implement and enforce a 25-mph speed zone during major reconstruction along the intersecting 8th/9th street corridor.
Starting Monday, the speed limit on Wis. 69 will be reduced by 10 mph - from the existing 35 mph to 25 mph - between 6th Street and 16th Street.
The reason for the change, according to Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley, is to improve safety and traffic control in the construction zone.
Busy Wis. 69 not only crosses through the construction zone along 8th street, but also absorbs detour traffic.
"Because there is an increase in traffic flowing out of 10th street and onto 11th street, it has become difficult for vehicles to exit or enter," Kelley said in a statement. "For example, traffic has become backed up on 10th street for several blocks east of (Wis. 69), including some of the other side streets, because vehicles wanting to get out onto (Wis. 69) must wait for traffic."
The speed limit reduction, he added, should help create more and safer intervals for motorists.
While the measure to reduce the speed limit was approved by the Monroe Common Council in early April, Kelley said enforcement was delayed until the city received new signs.
Police will begin enforcement of the reduced speed limit immediately on Monday, said Kelley, adding that fines for speeding citations exceed $200.
The 8th/9th Street construction project started March 12. The work runs along 8th Street, from Wis. 69 to 11th Avenue, and along 9th Street from 11th Avenue to 20th Avenue.
Improvements include widening the streets in some areas, and replacing water and sanitary sewers and the trail bridge.
The reduced speed limits will remain in place until the project ends, likely in late September, according to Kelley.
That's the emphatic message this weekend from local law enforcement officials, as they prepare to implement and enforce a 25-mph speed zone during major reconstruction along the intersecting 8th/9th street corridor.
Starting Monday, the speed limit on Wis. 69 will be reduced by 10 mph - from the existing 35 mph to 25 mph - between 6th Street and 16th Street.
The reason for the change, according to Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley, is to improve safety and traffic control in the construction zone.
Busy Wis. 69 not only crosses through the construction zone along 8th street, but also absorbs detour traffic.
"Because there is an increase in traffic flowing out of 10th street and onto 11th street, it has become difficult for vehicles to exit or enter," Kelley said in a statement. "For example, traffic has become backed up on 10th street for several blocks east of (Wis. 69), including some of the other side streets, because vehicles wanting to get out onto (Wis. 69) must wait for traffic."
The speed limit reduction, he added, should help create more and safer intervals for motorists.
While the measure to reduce the speed limit was approved by the Monroe Common Council in early April, Kelley said enforcement was delayed until the city received new signs.
Police will begin enforcement of the reduced speed limit immediately on Monday, said Kelley, adding that fines for speeding citations exceed $200.
The 8th/9th Street construction project started March 12. The work runs along 8th Street, from Wis. 69 to 11th Avenue, and along 9th Street from 11th Avenue to 20th Avenue.
Improvements include widening the streets in some areas, and replacing water and sanitary sewers and the trail bridge.
The reduced speed limits will remain in place until the project ends, likely in late September, according to Kelley.