Middleton public works committee approves Allen Boulevard traffic analysis with safety conditions

The Middleton Public Works Committee voted unanimously April 13 to approve the traffic impact analysis (TIA) for the proposed 2159 Allen Boulevard mixed'use development, while attaching conditions that aim to protect pedestrians and accelerate traffic mitigation.

The committee approved the memorandum and analysis prepared for the corner of Allen Boulevard and Menota Avenue but asked staff and the consultant to take a closer look at a proposed driveway that crosses the east'side multi'use path and to "front'load" the installation of a traffic signal at Allen and Menota so it is completed at the start of private construction rather than waiting until a later year in the TIA.

Why it matters: The project would add dozens of housing units adjacent to a major arterial and a busy shared'use path. Neighbors and pedestrian advocates told the committee they fear new conflict points between vehicles, bicyclists and people using mobility devices.

Residents raised capacity concerns and timing. "When the buildings one and two that they're working on now are occupied, that's actually going to double ... the number of residents on Beach Road," said Jenny Borwin, a Middleton Beach Road resident, who urged earlier mitigation to avoid long periods of construction traffic and congestion. Kirsten Blackner, co'chair of the Ped Bike Transit Committee, said the driveway crossing poses a right'hook risk to path users and noted nearby BRT stops that will increase pedestrian crossings.

SRF consultant Noah Leonard said the report considered alternatives including a roundabout but favored a signal because "with a traffic signal they are actively controlled via signal head" and signals allow controlled pedestrian phasing; roundabouts would leave pedestrians to yield and negotiate gaps. Leonard said roundabout designs were not ruled impossible but presented operational and right'of'way tradeoffs on a high'throughput arterial such as Allen Boulevard.

Developer representative John said the earliest construction schedule would see work start next year, building A occupancy as early as 2028 and building B around 2029, with full site buildout possible in 2031 depending on leasing and approvals. Committee members said those optimistic dates are one reason to study accelerated public improvements.

The committee's motion approved the TIA report while conditioning the recommendation to Plan Commission on (1) deconflicting the Allen Boulevard driveway access with the multi'use trail and (2) moving the installation of the signal at Allen & Menota to the start of development. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

What happens next: Staff will work with SRF and the developer on refinements to the report, the committee said, and the issues raised (driveway conflict, signal timing) will be addressed in the developer agreement and during Plan Commission review.

Sources: Middleton Public Works Committee meeting transcript, April 13, 2026. Quotations are taken from public comments and staff presentation during that meeting.