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Residents press for safety fixes as DOT studies decline STH 23 speed cut in Marquette County
Summary
A Marquette County resident asked the Traffic Safety Committee to lower speeds and add signage on STH 23 and at local intersections; county and DOT records show speed studies did not support lowering the posted limit, and state permits would be required for flashing beacons or crosswalk signs.
At the Jan. 8, 2025 meeting of the Marquette County Traffic Safety Committee in Montello, resident John Hoffman urged officials to address sightline obstructions and pedestrian safety at the Lake Ave and Underwood Ave intersection and asked for speed reductions on STH 23 from CTH C to 16th Road. Committee members heard that a DOT review and crash data do not currently support roadway changes at those locations.
Committee members noted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation conducted two speed studies — in 2014 and 2023 — on the stretch of STH 23 under discussion and that neither study supported lowering the posted speed. The committee added red flags to existing 25 mph signs, but members said installing flashing beacons or flashing crosswalk signs would require a state permit; the committee estimated a permit and related costs would be about $2,100.
The committee reviewed crash data at the Underwood Ave/Lake Ave intersection and concluded the numbers do not support infrastructure changes at this time. Committee member Michael Kohnke told the group that the obstruction Hoffman raised — items on the Emporium property near the crosswalk — has been addressed because the grass area involved is an easement and ‘‘nothing should be placed in this area.’’
The Traffic Safety Committee encouraged residents to continue reporting sign obstructions so highway crews can schedule trimming and maintenance. The sheriff’s office plans to distribute a brochure announcing upcoming Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training on April 29 and May 1, 2025; the training was mentioned to highlight ongoing efforts to improve incident response and road safety.
Next steps: the committee will rely on DOT crash and speed-study data for further decisions; any installation of flashing beacons or flashing crosswalk signs would require a state permit and related funding.
