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Resident raises safety concerns at Lake Avenue and Underwood Avenue intersection; committee cites federal guidelines
Summary
A resident told the Marquette County Traffic Safety Committee that obstructions and pedestrian risks at the Lake Ave and Underwood Ave intersection warrant action; the committee said federal guidance and crash data do not support installing a 3‑way stop and flagged $14,000 cost for solar crosswalk signs.
John Hoffmann told the Marquette County Traffic Safety Committee on April 2 that obstructions from the Emporium’s outdoor display and metal yard objects are creating safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians at the Lake Avenue and Underwood Avenue intersection in Montello. Hoffmann asked whether the county could install a three‑way stop to improve safety.
Tony Kemnitz responded that federal guidelines would prohibit installing a three‑way stop in that location and that crash data do not support such a change. Mike Kohnke said the city is monitoring the Emporium and will require the business to remove objects from the green space to eliminate sight‑line obstructions.
Committee members discussed alternatives and noted cost constraints: a solar crosswalk sign was estimated at $14,000 and is not in the current city budget. Kemnitz said he would research other options and follow up with committee members in July.
Why it matters: residents and business displays can affect pedestrian visibility and crash risk at neighborhood intersections. The committee’s position—relying on federal traffic control guidelines and local crash data—means immediate traffic‑control changes are unlikely, but the city action to remove obstructions could reduce near‑term risk.
What happens next: Tony Kemnitz will research possible mitigations and report back in July; the committee and city staff will monitor compliance by the Emporium.
