MILWAUKEE — Fighting reckless driving through physical change - Milwaukee's Department of Public Works is looking into ways to make roads safer by adding infrastructure.
DPW is near completion of it's West Fond du Lac Avenue Safety Improvement Project, a $900,000 project that will include re-configuring the intersections and turn lanes by adding curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands and new marked crosswalks.
The construction will take place between 36th and 38th streets.
It's hard to miss the bright orange barrels, bump out curb extensions, and pedestrian refuge islands.
“This would be a good thing. They’re doing something great," said Albert Thompson, a driver.
TMJ4 News spoke with Jeff Polenske, commissioner of DPW. He believes the changes will help people access Sherman Phoenix and other area businesses.
“We really took that to heart. We tried to come up with a plan that would better accommodate pedestrians and slow down traffic," Polenske said.
Seventh District Alderman Khalif Rainey said he's looking forward to drivers slowing down near the businesses.
“We’re hoping it brings the safety that we’re anticipating at the Sherman Phoenix," he said.
Trueman McGee of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls inside the Sherman Phoenix says the same.
“I’m for the construction, it’s going to make traffic a little slower," McGee said.
McGee said the speeding and reckless driving has made an impact on some business.
“I talk to a lot of people that be like ‘I love the Phoenix. I just don’t want to drive down Fond Du Lac,'" McGee said.
The Milwaukee Police Department said they have responded to 100 pedestrian-related accidents and issued 222 reckless driving citations citywide so far in 2020.
DPW said the project will be complete in mid-to-late June.
