Ashwaubenon committee defers Packerland Drive crossing decision, asks staff to consult county engineers

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee voted to postpone a decision on placing a marked pedestrian crossing on Packerland Drive and directed staff to consult the county and return with engineering and funding guidance at the January meeting.

A resident request and prior board conversation prompted the committee to examine potential crossing locations on the north end of Packerland (proposed spots included West Paulson, Carol/Carroll and Skylar). Members and staff noted the site’s character — a four-lane, 30–35 mph arterial that is technically a county trunk highway — raises engineering, safety and liability questions.

Staff advised that properly locating and designing a crossing may require curb ramps, ADA-accessible detectable warnings, refuge islands for multi-lane crossings at higher speeds, and potentially county approval or reconstruction, all of which increase cost and complicate timelines. One member stressed that an inadequately designed painted crosswalk could make the crossing less safe.

Because the board did not allocate funding for an engineering study in the 2025 budget, the committee asked Joel to reach out to the county highway and planning departments, and report back with clarity on roles, scope and likely costs so the committee can produce a scope and cost estimate for the board.

Next steps: the crossing item will return to the committee in January with county input and a clearer scope to allow the committee and board to evaluate design options, budgets and possible mitigation measures.