Project History and Overview
In 2018, in response to growing concerns regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety in general in Monona, as well as concerns in specific areas of the city, Mayor Mary O' Connor appointed an Ad Hoc Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee. The committee was asked to create a plan to develop safe, accessible corridors within Monona, taking into account several forms of transportation - pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle. Working with Strand Engineers, the Committee sought public input and a final plan was accepted by the City Council in August 2019. You can read the Monona Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement Plan here.
Per the plan, Winnequah Road was identified most frequently as needing safety improvements with the portion from Schluter Road to Bridge Road being of particular concern. This section of Winnequah was completely rebuilt in 2006. Since then, the asphalt has deteriorated significantly and is in need of replacement. It has also been determined that the bump-outs added as part of the 2006 project have proven to be a ineffective. As such, the City is currently in the planning stages for improvements to the southern end of Winnequah Road, from Schluter Road to Bridge Road.
Engineers prepared and presented preliminary designs for conceptual purposes only at a public information meeting on July 22, 2021. You can view the presentation here. Each residence along the affected portion of Winnequah received an invitation to the meeting via U.S. mail. At that time, the plan included removal of the bump-outs, installation of sidewalk along the east side, mill and overlay of the asphalt surface, new bike lane and pavement markings and minor storm water improvements at Graham Street.
Based on feedback from that meeting, engineers are currently preparing conceptual designs for presentation to the City's Public Works Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 6. In addition to the improvements listed above, proposed improvements will also include speed humps and parking in-bays.