Council authorizes seasonal street closures, Jersey barriers to curb cruisers after neighborhood safety concerns

The West Allis Common Council on May 20 approved a resolution authorizing the director of Public Works to temporarily and annually close certain streets near W. Theo Tr[e]cker Way during the summer cruising season to reduce dangerous cruising traffic.

Council discussion said Highway 100 cruising activity has used Ninth Street as a loop and spillover has shifted to Tenth and Eleventh Streets; residents on one block collected signatures (17 of 21 households) requesting seasonal closure. A council member summarized the petition and said the change was prompted in part by a recent severe rollover crash that raised safety concerns. The resolution gives the Public Works director administrative authority to assess and temporarily close additional nearby streets as needed, and it allows the city to deploy barriers such as Jersey barriers when appropriate.

Council members thanked neighborhood volunteers and city staff for outreach and noted that the seasonal closures on N. 109 were already in use; extension of closures to adjacent blocks will be coordinated with aldermen and the director of Public Works. A question about capital costs arose; staff said barriers can be provided by Public Works and budget planning can address replacement or additional purchases if needed.

The Public Works Committee recommended approval and the council adopted the committee’s recommendation by roll call. The resolution authorizes temporary, seasonal closures and directs Public Works to work with neighborhood representatives on timing and logistics.