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La Crosse council backs hybrid USH‑53 alternative, preserving most downtown parking while adding bike connections
Summary
The La Crosse Common Council voted to endorse a hybrid alternative (Alternative 3) for the US Highway 53 corridor study, a compromise that maintains most on‑street parking while adding raised bike lanes to connect to the 2nd Street cycle track; the resolution passed after a close debate.
The La Crosse Common Council voted to endorse a hybrid alternative for the US Highway 53 corridor study that aims to balance downtown parking needs with improved bicycle connectivity.
Council Member Slesnicko urged the council to adopt the hybrid option, saying it ‘‘keeps on‑street parking on most blocks while adding raised bike lanes from Vine Street to La Crosse Street’’ and would only remove ‘‘six to seven’’ stalls near a large surface lot. DOT staff described the hybrid as a combination of the plan options presented earlier and said the change shifts limits so bike lanes connect existing infrastructure with minimal parking loss.
Supporters said the hybrid preserves business access while improving safety and access for cyclists. ‘‘This is a compromise that improves bicycle infrastructure and connects to our 2nd Street cycle track,’’ Council Member McCaleb said, adding the impact to existing downtown businesses is minimal.
Opponents raised concerns about deliveries, tradespeople access and how raised bike lanes would affect loading and ADA access. Council Member Padesky warned construction and service vehicles need predictable room to operate and said the plan should not make daily access harder for downtown merchants.
DOT staff and City Director Gallagher answered questions about construction access and enforcement; DOT emphasized that the roundabout shown in a public graphic was a separate project and that the hybrid option was developed after public feedback.
An amendment to add the hybrid alternative to the council’s resolution passed on a narrow vote (7‑6), and the full resolution as amended passed 10‑3, instructing the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to consider Alternative 3 as the council’s preferred course of action.
The council’s action sends a clear preference to WisDOT for further design, though project engineering, final designs and construction scheduling will follow the DOT’s planning process and additional public engagement.
