Lisbon Avenue part of 60 new traffic calming projects to begin in Milwaukee this year
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- The City of Milwaukee is unveiling new plans to enhance safety on the streets for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The plans include dozens of new street projects set to begin this year.
In all, 60 new traffic calming projects are planned. This is part of continuing efforts to curb reckless driving.
"We've made some significant progress in reshaping our streets and this year's initiatives continue to build on that momentum," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Kevin Muhs, City Engineer says back in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began, there was a significant surge in fatalities and serious injuries related to transportation. This was seen nationally, but in Milwaukee the trend began a few years prior.
One of the newest traffic calming projects from the Milwaukee Dept. of Public works focuses on long-term improvements to Lisbon Avenue between North 100th Street and West Burleigh Street.
DPW says these projects are an effort to enhance mobility, manage stormwater and improve quality for residents. Money for these improvement projects is coming from various sources. This includes money from the city's local budget and state and federal grants, as well as the America Rescue Plan Act. Funds from Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs) have also been allocated to make these projects possible.
For the Lisbon Avenue project, construction will focus on a two-mile area, running through Milwaukee's 5th and 10th districts.
"I wish we could be using these funds and resources elsewhere, but we don't have a choice. The reckless driving continues to put us all at risk," said District 5 Ald. Lamont Westmoreland.
Officials say the new street designs that have been implemented across the city force drivers to go slower, which makes the roads safer for everyone. "I'm so excited about this project," said District 10 Ald. Sharlen Moore.
Estimated construction completion varies depending on the project. The Lisbon Avenue project is expected to take about two years. "Speed is a direct correlation to safety and we've seen some good results from the projects we've completed so far," said Muhs.