MONROE - It's time for drivers on Wisconsin 69 to slow down as they approach the construction zone on 8th Street.
The Monroe Common Council Wednesday established a temporary speed limit of 25 mph on the portion of the state highway between 6th Street and 16th Street. The new speed limit is 10 miles per hour slower than what's currently posted.
Police Chief Fred Kelley and Engineering Supervisor Al Gerber are taking action to alleviate traffic congestion on the highway during the 8th/9th Street construction project that required detour routes intersecting busy Wis. 69 at 10th Street and 11th Street.
Another concern is safety. As a result, the Public Safety Committee recommended the speed-limit change Monday at Kelley's request. Kelley said the city could reduce the speed limit by 10 mph without state approval.
According to Kelley and Gerber, traffic tends to become congested in the detour areas, as drivers attempt to get on and off the highway.
Gerber recommended that lower speeds start as far south as 16th Street, in anticipation of vehicles turning across traffic onto 11th Street and of vehicles on 11th Street attempting to cross the four-lane highway. Drivers are using 6th Street to access businesses along 8th Avenue. Kelley and Gerber have already tried changing the timing of traffic lights on Wis. 69 at 8th Street, allowing a longer time period for traffic to clear the intersection. They now may readjust the timing to accommodate the new speed limit.
The council gave Kelley authorization to remove the new speed limit signs when construction is finished, or whenever the slower speed is no longer needed, without further council action.
The 8th/9th Street construction project started March 12. The area under construction is along 8th Street from Wisconsin 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.
New storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalks, pavement, decorative street lighting, traffic signals and landscaping will also be installed.
The Monroe Common Council Wednesday established a temporary speed limit of 25 mph on the portion of the state highway between 6th Street and 16th Street. The new speed limit is 10 miles per hour slower than what's currently posted.
Police Chief Fred Kelley and Engineering Supervisor Al Gerber are taking action to alleviate traffic congestion on the highway during the 8th/9th Street construction project that required detour routes intersecting busy Wis. 69 at 10th Street and 11th Street.
Another concern is safety. As a result, the Public Safety Committee recommended the speed-limit change Monday at Kelley's request. Kelley said the city could reduce the speed limit by 10 mph without state approval.
According to Kelley and Gerber, traffic tends to become congested in the detour areas, as drivers attempt to get on and off the highway.
Gerber recommended that lower speeds start as far south as 16th Street, in anticipation of vehicles turning across traffic onto 11th Street and of vehicles on 11th Street attempting to cross the four-lane highway. Drivers are using 6th Street to access businesses along 8th Avenue. Kelley and Gerber have already tried changing the timing of traffic lights on Wis. 69 at 8th Street, allowing a longer time period for traffic to clear the intersection. They now may readjust the timing to accommodate the new speed limit.
The council gave Kelley authorization to remove the new speed limit signs when construction is finished, or whenever the slower speed is no longer needed, without further council action.
The 8th/9th Street construction project started March 12. The area under construction is along 8th Street from Wisconsin 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.
New storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalks, pavement, decorative street lighting, traffic signals and landscaping will also be installed.