Common Council

East Washington International Speedway!

Sent today from the Mayor's Office regarding speeding on East Washington

Hi Alders,

We know that you too have been hearing from constituents regarding loud and speeding traffic on East Washington Avenue, the outer loop and other areas in your districts. Unfortunately, as the weather warms up, the activities increase.  City staff from Traffic Engineering, Madison Police Department and the Mayor's office are continuing to meet to work on solutions, or at least changes, that can help with the issue.  Unfortunately, this is a decades old issue, and the information we continue to receive is that most of the perpetrators are teenagers from outside communities.  We understand everyone's frustrations though, as this is not only a quality of life issue, but also one of safety.

This  past weekend staff erected message boards for drivers and to adjust traffic signals to slow folks down.  Beginning next weekend and for the rest of the summer, MPD will be using additional enforcement, will continue message boards and additionally use engineering to alter travel lanes in another effort to reduce speed.  Many of you are familiar with those efforts from last summer as well.

Staff are discussing other options and one that can be effective is yard signs.  Would your area neighborhood associations consider a combined effort in that area?  We will be investigating costs and other issues on that potential effort and will keep you in the loop.

Lt Anthony Fiori, who many of you know, has been involved in this effort for quite some time, and frankly one way he attempts to reduce the behavior is to talk to the individuals involved.  They are teens who drive to area parking lots, hang out, sometimes even skateboard, and then continue their drives. His message direct message too them has been, 'we welcome you to Madison, but slow  down and stop revving your engines.'  In some cases, it can make a difference. 

As you know there is not one  solution to this issue, we will continue to use education, engineering and enforcement, but your understanding and assistance with messaging is appreciated.  Thanks for all you do and we look forward to continued to collaboration with you on this issue and others.

Katie  Crawley

Deputy Mayor

Public Works and Communication

Office of the Mayor

City-County Building, Room 403

210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Madison, WI  53703

608-266-4611

Cell 608-335-7071