Milwaukee County to apply for millions of dollars to redesign dangerous intersections

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County is one step closer to getting millions of dollars in the fight against reckless driving.

"By setting the goal of zero deaths and zero serious injuries on our roads by 2037, we're not just hoping for change, we're working to actually create it," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, Crowley signed into legislation one of eight requirements by the U.S. Dept. of Transporation that will allow the county and all 19 municipalities to be eligible to apply for up to $20 million in federal funding to redesign and reconstruct the most hazardous intersections and roadway segments in the county.

"We can design our streets in such a way to reduce speeding, open more opportunity for multimodal and sustainable trips, and improve corridors that are in desperate need of safety enhancements," Milwaukee County Department of Transportation Deputy Director John Rodgers said.

According to the county, the other seven requirements are either completed or are in process. The next step is for the county board to approve the requirements as part of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The hope is that the plan will be approved in January and the county can apply for the funds in February.

While this potential project that will combat reckless driving is months away, others are working on the issue daily.

"We came together because we don't want any more victims," Jeanne Lupo said.

Lupo is the President of Enough is Enough a Legacy for Erin, a non-profit that was created after Erin Mogensen and her unborn child were killed by a man fleeing police in November 2023.

"No matter who we talk to everyone is tired of it, people are fearful of it," Lupo said. "People are afraid to go to and from work because they don't know what is going to happen."

The group focuses on changing legislation related to reckless driving and how the criminal justice system punishes offenders.

"Some judges are very lenient, and some are a little, I guess, stricter, but I have seen very few that actually go along with the state's recommendation," Lupo said.

Lupo tells CBS 58 that they will be releasing their data on sentences soon, hoping to use it to get harsher penalties.

As for the county, Crowley said they are focused on preventative measures.

"You're seeing the barriers and it's an inconvenience for some, but people understand what we're trying to do. We're prioritizing the safety over getting somewhere a couple of minutes quicker," he said.