Amani neighborhood to get traffic calming circle amid safety concerns

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- As reckless driving continues to impact Milwaukee, neighbors in the Amani neighborhood will soon see a change that is meant to make their streets safer.

On Monday, Oct. 30, a traffic calming circle will be installed by the city's department of public works at the intersection of North 25th and Locust.

The goal is to get drivers to slow down. The project is being privately funded by AARP Wisconsin and has been in the works for a year.

"It really stemmed from a pedestrian getting hit about a year ago while we were doing a walking tour. He got hit right in front of us. It was awful and the Amani residents said we're sick of reckless driving and speeding and we need to do something about it," said Amber Miller, Associate State Director of Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin.

This is all a collaborative effort and there's some data to back up the need for traffic calming in this area.

Amani United, a resident led community group partnered with the Wisconsin Bike Federation to set up a speed study for area residents to lead. The study found that more than 80% of cars went through the area going more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.

"For an hour, we sat between 24th to 27th and Locust up to Fond du Lac. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour, and we clocked people going as fast as 61 miles per hour. We just can't accept that," said Miller.

Miller hopes traffic calming efforts continue throughout the Amani neighborhood and other parts of the city. She encourages concerned neighbors to reach out to the city or other community organizations to see how they can help. "Whether you're 8-years-old or 80-years-old, you should feel safe in your neighborhood to cross the street," she said.

The traffic circle is set to be installed Monday, Oct. 30 at 7:00 a.m.