Residents urge Waukee council to act after 82% traffic increase on Westgate Drive

Residents asked the Waukee City Council during open forum to take action after what they described as a dramatic rise in traffic and unsafe driving on Westgate Drive following the closure of Alice's Road.

Resident Steven Ager told the council he and his neighbors have seen an “82%” increase in traffic volume on their street since November, and said the change has “turned what should be a normal residential street into a busy thoroughfare.” He said speeding and aggressive driving are now common and warned, “our street no longer feels like a safe place for kids to play.”

The concern matters because Westgate Drive borders Fox Creek Park and a nearby bike trail, and residents said pedestrian crossings and driveway access have become hazardous. “Pedestrians at crosswalks are frequently ignored,” Ager said, and he told the council the road’s wide, straight design “essentially encourages” speeding.

Resident Britney Freund described recent incidents she and her daughter observed, including drivers passing a stopped vehicle that had its flashers on to allow a parent and child to cross. “What if someone decided not to wait and just pass them and then hit me and my child?” she asked. Freund estimated “at least 30 kids” regularly play in the neighborhood front yards and said backing out of driveways now takes several minutes because of through traffic.

Speakers credited the city for installing electronic speed signs and for increased police patrols but urged the council to pursue both short-term and longer-term traffic-calming measures. Ager suggested temporary fixes such as stop signs and called out longer-term options like curb extensions, center medians or mini-roundabouts to reduce speeds passively.

Council members replied that staff are evaluating both short- and long-term responses and offered to speak with residents after the meeting. In response to Ager’s offer to help, city staff said they would continue to follow up and invited neighbors to serve as volunteer resources for future discussions.

The residents said they expect more traffic when Alice’s Road sections close for construction again next spring and asked the council not to quietly deprioritize the issue. The council did not vote on any traffic-calming measure during the meeting; the speakers asked for the council to prioritize follow-up and for staff to return with options.