Commission hears staff analysis after state order to remove a flashing crosswalk device at West Washington/Southwest Path; lane reduction test drew mixed views

City traffic staff presented operational data and policy options after the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) issued an order related to the flashing rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon (RRFB) at the West Washington Avenue crossing of the Southwest Commuter Path. The RRFB had been installed in 2017; staff said crashes involving bicyclists increased after installation and that the OCR order requires a device that can be interconnected with the railroad’s active warning system to “keep the tracks and crosswalk clear of vehicles.”

Tom Moore of Traffic Engineering summarized crash history and the city’s test of a temporary lane reduction at the crossing. Moore said the crossing has a “dual‑lane threat” in which the first motorist will stop for a crossing path user and the adjacent lane’s driver may not see the user and strike them. Moore also said the temporary lane reduction improved user comfort and driver yielding but that backups into nearby Bedford Street sometimes occurred at peak times. Moore told the commission, “the RFB improves user comfort, but it might not be a good solution in some specific locations like this one.”

The OCR order and staff analysis: - The OCR cited risk around the proximity of the crossing to active railroad gates; the OCR recommended a pedestrian signal or other device that can interconnect with the railway warning system. Staff said they do not agree entirely with the OCR rationale but will file a plan with the OCR by the end of March that complies with the order or explains the city’s alternative approach. - Staff outlined options: removal of the RRFB and return to four traffic lanes; a permanent lane reduction (one lane each direction) and removal of the RRFB; installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB, often called a HAWK) that can interconnect with the gates; or a fully signalized intersection interlinked with the railroad gates. Traffic staff said a fully signalized intersection best meets the OCR’s technical requirement, but it would be expensive and could delay pedestrians during high traffic volumes.

Public comment and commission discussion: - Several members of the public, including bicycle commuters and nearby residents, urged the commission to retain a lane reduction or other calming measure rather than install a signal. Public commenters said the lane reduction made the crossing easier to use and safer for cyclists and pedestrians. - Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs. Commissioner Harold Cleems suggested maintaining the lane reduction and strengthening the crossing in a semi‑permanent way (concrete‑pinned channelizers and a high‑visibility median refuge) while collecting further data; others said the OCR’s direction might require a signalized solution or a technical submission explaining the alternative approach.

Next steps: Traffic staff said they will seek clarification from the OCR, prepare a formal plan for the OCR by the March deadline and return to the Transportation Commission with a recommended, implementable option. Staff noted construction projects (John Nolen Drive and North Shore reconstructions) could change traffic diversion patterns and that any permanent change should be evaluated with those projects in mind.