Ashwaubenon staff outline rapid‑flash beacons, roundabout pedestrian work and Ridge Road trail extension

Village staff told the Ashwaubenon Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee that three active projects will add crossings and trail connections intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle access.

The first project is proposed rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) at two Cormier Road crossings, including one near the main entry to Rockridge Stadium and another aligned with a new mixed‑use development’s walking trail. Brian (staff member) described the crossing hardware and placement: “There’ll be a pole here, a 20 foot pole with a 25 foot trombone arm,” and “All solar powered,” so the lights flash above traffic and are visible over tall vehicles. Staff said the crossing will use a single standard stripe crosswalk; expanding to ladder‑style striping would increase annual repainting costs (staff estimated about $500–$700 per crosswalk per year).

Committee members discussed visibility and enforcement. Brian noted state law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and said enforcement and education remain important complements to infrastructure. The group also discussed advance warning sign spacing (the presenter cited a standard of about 250 feet) and driveway proximity: one proposed beacon sits adjacent to a driveway for a large new parking lot the presenter estimated at “3 or 400 stalls” (presenter estimate; approximate).

The second project is a county‑led roundabout at Hackerman and Grant with village funds contributing. Staff said the roundabout design includes sidewalks on all four quadrants, marked crosswalks and bike “kick‑out” areas that let riders step off the roadway and onto the sidewalk. Construction timing was described as next year.

The third item is the Ridge Road trail extension east to Arts Lane and across the Ashwaubenon waterway. Staff described the path as a 10‑foot shared use trail that will drop to a 5‑foot sidewalk across an existing bridge deck; the project faces utility conflicts, steep grades and retaining walls up to 5–6 feet tall. Staff said red areas on plans are easements to secure and blue areas are right‑of‑way acquisitions needed to make the project ready for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant scoring; the village is aiming to have easements and relocations completed so the project can be shovel‑ready for a hoped‑for 2028 construction window when a county bridge deck replacement is also planned.

Staff noted a local photography business, Harmon Studios, has discussed adding benches and a small artwork near the trail and may assist with elements of the rest stop, but no funding commitment was finalized. There were no formal votes at the update; staff requested committee feedback and will return with further design details and right‑of‑way information.