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Council approves Birch Street reconstruction with pedestrian and traffic-calming changes
Summary
The council approved a street and utility improvement project for Birch Street that keeps a 36-foot driving surface, adds pedestrian safety measures including rapid rectangular flashing beacons, speed-feedback signs and pedestrian refuge islands, and changes lane configurations to reduce speeds and improve crossings near Longfellow Elementary.
The Eau Claire City Council approved a street and utility improvement project for Birch Street that retains the existing 36-foot curb-to-curb driving surface while adding a package of pedestrian-safety and traffic-calming measures.
Director Ness presented the project as a reconstruction of Birch Street from Franklin Street to Bergen Avenue, a primary arterial that serves residential neighborhoods, Longfellow Elementary School and access to downtown. The proposal keeps the existing 36-foot face-to-face driving width and removes the integral curb-and-gutter slab to construct separate curb and gutter. Project elements discussed included pedestrian refuge islands, high-visibility crosswalk markings, rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) at selected crossings, extended turn-lane designation at the east end of the project and additional speed-feedback signs in both directions.
Staff said measured traffic volumes on Birch are about 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day — above recommended thresholds for raised crosswalks — which shaped the recommended treatments. Engineer testimony noted snowplow clearance and winter maintenance concerns when designing medians and curb extensions; the plan employs sloped median noses and painted markings to improve visibility and snowplow operations. Council members asked about the location of RRFBs; staff said three RRFBs are proposed with additional crossings (Putnam and McDonough) to be evaluated after new traffic counts from West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. The RRFB units are solar and wireless; staff said conduits are not required for initial installation but pedestrian-scale lighting conduit could be installed as a future-ready option.
Council and neighborhood representatives discussed speed limits and enforcement; staff said a post-construction speed study would be required to change the posted speed limit under city ordinance. The council approved the project on a unanimous roll call.
