Milwaukee’s E. North Avenue, a crucial corridor through the city’s bustling East Side, is undergoing a transformative construction project aimed at significantly improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. With a comprehensive set of design changes, this initiative addresses past safety concerns and aligns with the city’s broader vision for a safer urban environment. The changes include the installation of concrete barriers for bike lanes, the creation of bus boarding islands, the application of new asphalt, restriping lanes, and constructing new sidewalk curb ramps. This extensive project marks a pivotal step towards enhanced safety and accessibility in this busy thoroughfare.
Project Scope and Timeline
The ambitious construction project on E. North Avenue began on Monday, stretching from N. Humboldt Boulevard to N. Prospect Avenue. It encompasses a wide variety of enhancements aimed at transforming the corridor into a safer and more accessible space for all modes of transport. As part of the construction, eastbound traffic between N. Humboldt Boulevard and N. Farwell Avenue is being detoured to Locust Street. Westbound traffic is allowed to continue but moves to the opposite side of the road to accommodate the ongoing construction efforts. The project is slated for completion in November, marking a swift turnaround to address the urgent safety concerns that prompted this undertaking.
Among the numerous enhancements are concrete barriers designed to protect the bike lanes, ensuring a safer journey for cyclists by physically separating them from vehicular traffic. The installation of bus boarding islands serves to facilitate safer and more convenient access for passengers without requiring buses to exit the travel lane. Additionally, new asphalt is being laid, lanes are being restriped, and curb ramps are being constructed to improve the sidewalks’ accessibility. These measures collectively aim to create a cohesive and secure environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike.
Background and Rationale
The decision to launch the E. North Avenue construction project stemmed from the mixed results of earlier, temporary safety implementations in 2023. Initial efforts involved rapid deployment of protective planters in the bike lanes, which showed a strong commitment to enhancing safety. However, these planters were frequently struck by vehicles, and many motorists disregarded signs, choosing to park illegally within the bike lanes. These issues underscored the need for more robust, permanent solutions to effectively address the safety challenges along this corridor.
The project’s alignment with Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s “Vision Zero” strategy further highlights its importance. Vision Zero is an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating all traffic-related deaths in Milwaukee by 2037. The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been instrumental in rolling out several traffic-calming measures across the city under this initiative, learning valuable lessons from temporary implementations that now guide the introduction of more durable and effective safety measures. The project on E. North Avenue is a critical component of this broader, city-wide effort to enhance traffic safety.
Focus on Dangerous Intersections
One of the focal points of the E. North Avenue project is the intersection of N. Farwell and E. North Avenues, identified as one of Milwaukee’s most hazardous intersections in a 2019 pedestrian plan. This intersection also holds the distinction of being the busiest pedestrian crossing in the city. The construction work aims to mitigate the frequent violations and safety risks that have plagued this intersection, particularly near high-traffic businesses like Ian’s Pizza and Mad Chicken.
By targeting such a dangerous and busy location, the project seeks to create a safer environment for the numerous pedestrians and cyclists who travel through this area daily. The planned improvements at this intersection serve as a microcosm of the project’s broader goals, demonstrating a focused effort to address significant safety issues. Enhancing the safety of this intersection will not only benefit those who use it frequently but also set a precedent for similar improvements throughout Milwaukee.
Permanent Infrastructure Improvements
The introduction of bus bulbs is one of the standout features of the E. North Avenue project. These sidewalk extensions allow buses to board passengers without leaving the travel lane, thereby preventing motorists from using the bike lanes for parking. This design has already been implemented successfully on W. Walnut and N. Van Buren streets, proving its effectiveness in promoting safer and more efficient transportation.
Beyond facilitating bus boarding, bus bulbs also serve as bump outs that shorten pedestrian crossing distances and block dangerous right-side passing of vehicles. These multipurpose infrastructure elements significantly elevate the safety and efficiency of the corridor for all road users. By incorporating such versatile and effective design changes, the project reinforces its comprehensive approach to urban mobility, ensuring that the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are all addressed.
Community and Institutional Support
Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff has emerged as one of the project’s most vocal supporters, citing widespread community approval and emphasizing the positive impact the project is expected to have once completed. Brostoff has noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from local residents, underscoring the widespread recognition of the project’s necessity and potential benefits. This strong community backing highlights the shared commitment to enhancing the safety and accessibility of E. North Avenue.
The East Side Business Improvement District also plays a crucial role in this initiative, reinforcing the collaborative approach taken to transform E. North Avenue. By bringing together public and private interests, the district’s involvement ensures that the project aligns with broader community and business objectives. This partnership underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in achieving successful urban improvements.
Financials and Future Developments
Milwaukee’s E. North Avenue, a vital route through the bustling East Side, is experiencing a substantial construction project designed to greatly enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. This ambitious undertaking incorporates a comprehensive series of design changes, addressing historical safety issues and aligning with the city’s goal of a safer urban environment. Key upgrades include the installation of concrete barriers to protect bike lanes, the addition of bus boarding islands for safer passenger access, resurfacing with new asphalt, restriping traffic lanes for clarity, and constructing new sidewalk curb ramps to improve accessibility. This expansive project signifies a pivotal move towards a safer and more accessible corridor in a busy part of the city. By focusing on these enhancements, Milwaukee aims to foster a more navigable and secure urban area for all residents and visitors, ultimately contributing to a cohesive and thriving community environment.
