New raised crosswalks in Milwaukee catch some drivers by surprise, others say it's necessary for reckless driving

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Drivers across Milwaukee are driving over raised crosswalks, and people are sharing their mixed thoughts about them online. 

Kevin Muhs, the city engineer for the City of Milwaukee, says they were constructed in an effort to combat distracted driving,

“This is a traffic calming tool that various cities use across the country," Muhs said. “Long-term, this is something we expect to be part of the solution to discourage people from speeding.”

Muhs says the Department of Public Works was behind 18 of these crosswalks in the city and each of them cost between $40-$80,000. 

“It’s too early for us to collect data at these specific locations, and we are going to do that. Anecdotally, people have definitely noticed that they are slowing traffic.”

In a recent post on Reddit with hundreds of comments, some people said the raised crosswalks are too tall and aren't properly marked. Others emphasized the need for drivers to slow down on busy streets in the city. 

"We do have a reckless driving issue in Milwaukee," said Christian Remond. He told CBS 58 he's seen some crashes happen as drivers go over the new raised crosswalks without looking at them. “I think there could be something added to the cement that’s high visibility or reflective so we can know that there’s going to be something we need to slow down for.”

“I think these speed bumps are really good. It’s helping," said Mark Hackbarth. “For us walking the dogs around here, I’m glad to see it.”

Muhs says once the weather permits, the city will add proper markings and signs to the raised crosswalks.