Committee recommends lowering speed limit on West Cottage Grove Road to 35 mph

The Public Works, Properties and Sustainability Committee voted to recommend lowering the posted speed limit on West Cottage Grove Road (County Trunk Highway BB) from 45 mph to 35 mph between Fundamental Way and the village's western limits.

A presenter explained the change would address a 45‑mph segment within village limits near the Heyday subdivision and the school, where the speed currently increases from 35 to 45. “When Shady Grove was constructed a handful of years ago, it was brought, to PD's attention as well as public works that we should consider lowering the speed limit through there just because of the subdivision as well as the schools given Heyday is starting construction and they're planning to be operable in 2026,” the presenter said, summarizing materials included in the packet.

Committee members discussed design speed and enforcement. One committee member noted the geometry of the road likely supports speeds up to 55 mph, saying, “It's probably 55, I would guess. Yeah. I mean, it's a typical Crown roadway straight, 2% each way.” Several members expressed concern that posting a lower speed limit would not by itself slow drivers and that additional design or traffic‑calming measures or a public notification plan would help. The committee agreed staff should deploy message boards and social media notices and coordinate with the county about the location of transition zones where the county's higher posted speeds begin.

A committee member moved to forward a recommendation to the village board to reduce the speed limit on County Trunk Highway BB from Fundamental Way to the westerly village limits; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Ending: The committee’s recommendation goes to the village board for final action; staff said it would communicate the change with signs, message boards and social media and coordinate transition zone adjustments with Dane County.