'We need everybody to slow down': New traffic calming measures installed in 2 Milwaukee neighborhoods

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- New traffic calming measures were completed Monday morning in two Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Many residents living in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood said they now feel relieved after the installation of a new traffic circle at 25th and Locust.

"We witnessed a gentleman get hit by a car right at this intersection," said Marchia Harris, executive director of the Dominican Center.

The new circle was funded by AARP Wisconsin, after years of residents raising concerns about reckless driving.

"This traffic calming circle is going to slow the traffic down east and west on Locust Street, and make this community a safer place for everyone," Harris said Monday.

This is the first step of similar measures planned in the neighborhood.

"If you come through the Amani neighborhood and you see roundabouts or traffic calming measures on every block, that's because the residents said that's what they want," said neighbor, Barbara Smith.

Meanwhile across town, students in Bay View will be safer outside Parkside School of the Arts with the installation of a new raised crosswalk.

Located on busy Howell Avenue right across from Humboldt Park, the new crosswalk will slow drivers and draw more attention to pedestrians.

"It actually elevates people relative to where the driver is as they're crossing the street, which is particularly important when some of our littlest residents are using this crosswalk on a regular basis," said city engineer, Kevin Muhs.

The crosswalk was funded by American Rescue Plan act dollars, allocated to reckless driving efforts.

"These modifications are meant to make changes and save lives," said Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. "We cannot do it alone. We need help. We need everybody to slow down." 

It's the first of 20 raised crosswalks that will be installed by Milwaukee Department of Public Works outside of Milwaukee Public Schools.

The next two installations will be at Hayes Bilingual School and Forest Home Avenue School.

The city hopes to have all 20 installed by the end of 2024.