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Board reviews DOT-led ADA curb-ramp upgrades and debates ladder crosswalks downtown
Summary
City staff and engineers reviewed DOT 60% plans for ADA curb ramps on Highways 32/33 and downtown; board discussed ladder (epoxy) crosswalks, potential bump-outs and right-of-way acquisitions. Staff estimated the city cost to install all identified ladder crosswalks at about $10,000; DOT will pay construction but the city would pay added ladder treatment costs if desired.
City staff reviewed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 60% design for curb ramps and crosswalks on Highways 32 and 33 and through downtown Port Washington, and the Board of Public Works discussed tradeoffs including ramp offsets, right-of-way acquisitions and whether the city should pay to upgrade markings to ladder-style crosswalks.
Staff said the DOT pulled parts of Highway 33 from the package and is resurfacing the remainder; designers are using offset ramps in many locations to meet the new, stricter ADA cross-slope requirements (1.5% cross-slope limit for new construction). Several corners require minor right-of-way acquisition and regrade to achieve design grades. Staff warned that in some hilly downtown intersections it will be difficult to meet new slope standards without significant reconstruction.
Board members pressed staff on ladder (so-called “zebra”) crosswalks. Staff said the DOT would install standard parallel-line markings but that if the city requests ladder markings the DOT requires the city to pay the incremental cost; staff estimated roughly $10,000 for the set of ladder crosswalks the city has identified. The board discussed the merits of epoxy ladder markings (longer-lasting) versus water-based paint (shorter life) and whether the city could procure the work separately to gain economies of scale.
Members also discussed specific geometric changes — bump-outs and curb realignments — noting traffic-safety review had rejected some options. The board asked staff to follow up with the DOT on whether additional crossings should be added at offset streets, and whether the ladder markings shown in the plans were placed by DOT or at the city’s request.
Staff concluded they will collect additional information (counts, location list, cost alternatives including city procurement for epoxy markings) and return with a recommendation, and the board indicated a willingness to consider bringing a formal voting item next month where needed.
