Oshkosh transportation panel approves local stop and parking changes, reviews 2024 crash report and transit updates

The Oshkosh City Transportation Committee on an April agenda approved five traffic- and parking-related changes and reviewed the city'024 crash report and several transit and redevelopment updates.

Committee members approved converting the Nevada and Oak intersection from a yield to a stop sign after staff said the intersection had four crashes in the past two years, all tied to failures to yield. Transportation staff recommended the change even though the location did not fully meet standard stop-sign warrants (three or more right-angle crashes in 12 months or five in 24 months). "Converting the intersection from yield to stop is likely to reduce the volume of crashes," a transportation staff member said.

Votes at a glance - Convert yield to stop at Nevada and Oak: approved (aye: Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger, Lynch), outcome: approved, tally yes 4, no 0, mover/second: not specified. - Remove loading zone / no stopping/standing/waiting on Custer Avenue (former Merrill School area): approved (aye: Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger, Lynch), outcome: approved, tally yes 4, no 0, mover/second: not specified. - Remove school-day parking restrictions on Winnebago Avenue (former Washington Elementary): approved (aye: Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger, Lynch), outcome: approved, tally yes 4, no 0, mover/second: not specified. - Convert four stalls to permit parking in the East Lot (300 E. Lot): approved (aye: Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger, Lynch), outcome: approved, tally yes 4, no 0; mover: M. Jackson (moved), second: John (second recorded). - Convert seven stalls from two-hour to permit parking (downtown lot to provide stalls for new police downtown field office): approved (aye: Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger, Lynch), outcome: approved, tally yes 4, no 0; mover/second: not specified.

Why the parking changes. Staff described the Custer Avenue and Winnebago Avenue sign removals as "cleanup": both sign sets dated from now-demolished schools (Merrill School and Washington Elementary) and are no longer needed. The East Lot and downtown-lot permit expansions were requested by nearby businesses and the police department, respectively. The East Lot change would add four permit-designated stalls (with daily permits available via the planned passport software when not in use). The seven-stall conversion would reserve approximately four to five stalls for personnel assigned to a new downtown police field office and add two more permit stalls for general use; staff said enforcement hours for permits are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, though those reserved for the police would be used outside those hours as needed.

Crash report highlights. Transportation staff presented the annual top-10 crash review for 2024. Staff reported about 1,512 crashes in 2024 (approximate depending on data pull), including 18 serious injuries, 144 minor injuries, 167 possible injuries and 59 bicycle- or pedestrian-involved injuries. The committee was told there were five fatalities in 2024 (three involving pedestrians, two involving motorcycles), and that unsafe or inattentive behavior (aggressive driving, unsafe passing, alcohol) was a factor in those fatal crashes.

Bicycle and pedestrian collisions rose from 16 in 2023 to 38 in 2024, a concern staff said is notable given local investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure such as rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, pedestrian bump-outs, continental crosswalk markings and a Hawk signal at one corridor. Staff noted many high-crash locations are roundabouts, which handle the city—iggest traffic volumes; some roundabouts are under state jurisdiction (on- and off-ramps along Highway 41) while frontage-road roundabouts are locally controlled. The committee discussed a spike in angle crashes and red-light running on the Wisconsin Street corridor; staff said GRIDSMART cameras were added and a follow-up timing and coordination study is underway.

Transit and paratransit updates. Staff said recent changes to the fare collection system (the Wisco card) and removal of monthly passes require recategorizing ridership reports; the transit team is working with a database developer to rework those reports. Staff also reported the mobile app tracking issue was fixed and is operational again. Committee members heard that a change in paratransit hours has been received positively; staff said most riders were accommodated and a small number remain to be assisted.

Redevelopment near transit center. Staff described progress on replacing the vacant older building next to the transit facility (the "old grand building"). The project is advancing through city approvals and concurrent environmental review with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; staff said the site will require removal of some contaminated material to a specialist landfill and likely vapor monitoring, subject to DNR approval. Staff said bidding for demolition and construction is expected in April and, if bids and approvals proceed, construction could occur this summer into the fall.

Other notes. Committee members agreed to place the annual chair election on next month genda. The meeting included routine roll calls and approval of minutes.

The committee is advisory; its recommendations will be forwarded to the Oshkosh Common Council for final action where required.