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Board OKs standard mid‑block crosswalk near Eagle Crest; flashing beacon added to 2027 CIP consideration
Summary
After reviewing three crosswalk designs and costs, the board approved a standard painted mid‑block crosswalk (Option 3) at the preferred location and requested a rapid‑flashing beacon be included for consideration in the 2027 capital improvement program; staff will consult the YMCA and return if substantive issues arise.
The Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities voted April 7 to proceed with a standard painted mid‑block crosswalk at a location staff and traffic engineers recommended near the Eagle Crest/Y area, while asking staff to include a rapid‑flashing beacon for consideration in the 2027 capital improvement program.
Public works staff presented three site options and three crosswalk configurations. Jared Holter described the engineer’s recommendation: “It is recommended that if a mid‑block crosswalk is installed, location 2 would be the preferred option.” He gave cost estimates for three configurations: a full bump‑out with curb, gutter and storm work (about $40,000); a center‑island refuge ($8,000) with the loss of about three on‑street parking spaces; and a standard painted crosswalk with ADA ramps (about $4,000), which also would remove three parking stalls.
Board members raised maintenance concerns, snow‑plow impacts and bicycle conflicts with bump‑outs. One member said the center island would offer the most refuge; another said residents prefer a crosswalk close to a driveway. Committee member (speaker 4) moved to adopt Option 3, include a flashing beacon in the 2027 CIP, and have staff consult the YMCA and return if that conversation raises substantive issues; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Staff said the $4,000 standard crosswalk and the $8,000 center‑island option both could be absorbed in existing budgets under miscellaneous or CIP funds, while the $40,000 bump‑out would need to be added to the capital improvements budget. The board directed staff to proceed and coordinate outreach with the YMCA and neighborhood stakeholders.
