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Commission approves list of intersections for further traffic‑signal study
Summary
The Transportation Commission approved staff’s recommended list of intersections for more detailed traffic‑signal study and ranking. Staff emphasized use of Federal Highway Administration signal warrants and a multi‑year crash review; estimated planning cost per signal is roughly $250,000.
City traffic engineers on Jan. 8 presented a recommended list of intersections for further traffic‑signal study and the Transportation Commission approved sending those locations to detailed analysis.
Yang Tao, director of traffic engineering, described the list as a first step to narrow study scope; the commission’s guidance will determine which locations receive detailed data collection and warrant analysis. David Hanson, section lead for electrical and traffic engineering, said staff apply Federal Highway Administration signal warrants and the Wisconsin supplement to evaluate each request and are increasing the emphasis on a 3‑to‑5‑year crash history when deciding whether to study signalization further.
Why it matters: Traffic signals are costly and have ongoing maintenance needs. David Hanson gave a planning cost estimate of about $250,000 per conventional signal installation. The commission’s action authorizes staff to collect additional data — counts, delay studies, crash analyses and short video/drones — and return with a prioritized, ranked report and final recommendations.
Locations and approach Staff reviewed a set of requested intersections that includes Milwaukee St. & Sprecher Rd.; University Ave. & Henry Mall (near campus); American Pkwy. & Ratman/Hebker; Old Middleton & Rosa; Milwaukee St. & Thompson Dr.; Cottage Grove Rd. at Maher/Royster Oaks; Fish Hatchery & Martin St. (including bicycle/pedestrian elements near the railroad crossing); and Odana & Potomac (a suggested removal).
Staff noted that some intersections are geographically linked (Old Middleton and Old Sauk Road; Milwaukee/Sprecher and Milwaukee/Thompson) and stressed the need to consider regional traffic changes such as future interstate ramping when selecting final study priorities.
Outcome The commission approved staff’s recommended study list for detailed analysis and ranking. Denise Jess moved approval; Ravi (Alden Govindarajan) seconded. Staff will return to the commission with the ranked results and final recommendations in the coming months.
Ending Staff and commissioners discussed accessibility elements for future signal installations: newer signals will include accessible pedestrian signals (APS) consistent with forthcoming PROWAG guidance and the U.S. DOT adoption; staff said APS is now standard on newer installs and will be included where feasible.
