Commission backs signalization, detection and phased lane changes at West Washington/Commuter Path crossing

The Madison Transportation Commission voted unanimously to adopt staff recommendations to comply with an existing OCR order and improve safety at the West Washington Avenue crossing of the Southwest Commuter Path.

Tom Moore, assistant traffic engineer, told the commission the OCR order requires a traffic control device that can interconnect with the railroad warning system, which in practice leaves a full traffic signal as the feasible option. Moore said staff modeled both the current four-lane curb geometry and a permanent conversion to two travel lanes and found both can operate acceptably during the afternoon peak; the two-lane configuration increases delays but shortens the pedestrian/bicycle crossing and reduces some crash exposure.

Moore recommended installing a signal with advanced detection for bicyclists (pavement loops) so users would not need to push a button, and continuing the current temporary lane-reduction test while the city works with OCR for a formal alteration of the crossing if it seeks a permanent two-lane configuration. He said OCR’s process for altering a railroad crossing can take about six months based on prior experience.

Commissioners pressed staff on operational details, including signal timing scenarios. Staff presented typical modeling results showing a roughly 30-second split for West Washington and the path in the four-lane scenario and a 50-second/30-second split example for a two-lane signal timing; staff noted timing can be adjusted post-installation to manage queues and special events. Commissioner Bill Bremer asked about train frequency; staff said trains are infrequent (about one train per day, with occasional additional movements) and that preemption for trains would return the system to normal operation after each event.

A motion to adopt all of staff’s recommendations was moved by Bill Bremer and seconded by Chris Petakowski. The commission approved the motion with no recorded objections.

The action directs city staff to file plans to signalize the crossing under current geometry, install bike/pedestrian detection and accessible signal equipment, maintain the current lane-reduction trial while seeking OCR approval for permanent geometric changes, and coordinate funding and construction with planned John Nolan Drive reconstruction. Staff noted permanent curb and storm sewer changes for a four-to-two lane conversion will require additional design, funding and a separate OCR petition if pursued.