Transportation committee recommends longer-median signal (Alternative 1F) for Sawyer Street–Oshkosh Avenue intersection

The Oshkosh City Transportation Committee on Jan. 14 recommended Alternative 1F — a reconstructed four-legged signal with an extended median that would restrict some left-turn movements — to reconfigure the long-studied Sawyer Street and Oshkosh Avenue intersection.

The recommendation followed a presentation from Kyle Henderson with Strand Associates, the city’s consultant on the project, and passed on a committee motion moved by Committee member Eslinger and seconded by Committee member Armstrong; the roll call recorded Armstrong, Merritt, Hartman, Eslinger and Lynch voting “aye.” The committee recorded no opposing votes and the motion carried.

The committee said the change matters because the junction is nonstandard and has a history of collisions and operational problems. Henderson said the consultant team identified 35 crashes at the intersection from 2019 through 2023, 19 of which were rear-end collisions. He pointed to the yield-controlled northbound right-turn movement and eastbound approaches as concentrated locations for rear-enders, and noted queuing related to the nearby Fox River lift bridge as a complicating factor. “Yield controlled northbound right really doesn’t work very well today,” Henderson said, adding that converting to a standard signal should address crash risk and improve operations.

Strand presented three broad solution types: a combined traffic signal, a full roundabout, and a three-legged roundabout with a right-in/right-out at Rainbow Drive. Staff and the consultant dismissed roundabouts for this site because multimodal crossings over Sawyer Creek and the proximity of the lift bridge could cause pedestrian safety challenges and create gridlock when bridge openings back traffic into the roundabout.

Within the traffic-signal option the team developed several permutations (labelled 1A–1F). Alternative 1F—the staff recommendation—extends the median through the intersection to restrict certain left-turns (notably movements to and from Fox Street) to right-in/right-out only, increase queuing space for vehicles and trailers turning to the boat ramp, and remove the highest-risk left-turn movements. Henderson estimated a preliminary construction cost of approximately $2.5 million to $3.0 million; he said that estimate excludes possible right-of-way acquisition costs.

Justin (city engineer) told the committee the project is already budgeted in the city’s capital program: engineering and design are programmed for 2026, potential land acquisitions are budgeted in 2027 and construction is currently planned for 2028. He also said that most parcels affected by the alternatives are already under city or redevelopment authority control; two parcels north of the alley remain privately owned and staff have contacted those property owners, with one owner having met with staff in December. Staff noted the bait shop parcel is owned by the redevelopment authority and was not shown as a take in the alternatives presented.

Next steps are for staff and Strand to finalize a Phase 1 Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) that incorporates the committee’s recommended alternative and submit the ICE to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for review because Oshkosh Avenue carries State Trunk Highway 21. Committee members and staff said they plan to forward the committee recommendation to the Common Council at one of the next two council meetings (Jan. 28 or Feb. 11) so the council can give direction that will be included in the DOT submittal.

Public comment at the meeting focused on sight-distance and left-turn access for residences and businesses on the west side of Oshkosh Avenue. Scott Seaman, a nearby resident, said he was concerned about the ability of drivers—including trucks and buses—to see westbound traffic when turning left from the properties near the gas station and described the difficulty of making left turns during peak congestion. Staff replied that many alternative layouts retain alley access for those properties and that a median would create a safe option to turn right and perform a U-turn at the signal if needed.

The committee’s action was a recommendation only; council action will be required if the Common Council chooses to adopt the recommendation and move the project forward. The ICE and the WisDOT review will further refine cost estimates and right-of-way needs.

Votes at the committee meeting: motion to recommend Alternative 1F — mover: Committee member Eslinger; seconder: Committee member Armstrong; recorded roll call votes: Armstrong (aye), Merritt (aye), Hartman (aye), Eslinger (aye), Lynch (aye). Outcome: approved (motion carries).