Flam Road resurfacing: commission approves geometrics, asks staff for parking-removal and bike-lane options

The City of Madison Transportation Commission approved the overall geometrics for the Flam Road resurfacing project and directed staff to return with pavement-marking alternatives that consider removing on-street parking on sections of the corridor to improve bicycling facilities.

Why it matters: Flam Road passes La Follette High School and a middle school and serves as a key east—west connector. Commissioners and public commenters said the corridor should better reflect the city's Complete Green Streets goals for all-ages-and-abilities bike facilities; staff said the current contract is a resurfacing (not a reconstruction), underground utilities and overhead power poles constrain curb relocation, and project timing is tight.

What staff said: Steve Sontag, project engineer for the Flam Road resurfacing project, told the commission the scope would replace asphalt pavement and base, update water and sanitary mains, and repair curb and sidewalk where needed. He summarized the team's preferred construction approach: "The project aims to enhance the roadway infrastructure while also addressing the aging underground utilities to ensure long-term reliability and safety of…