Week of August 25, 2025: Trial Run to Close Rush Hour Lanes on Willy St?

Trial Run to Close Rush Hour Lanes on Willy St?

Over the last couple of months, there’s been a lot of discussion over traffic issues on Williamson Street. The Marquette Neighborhood Association has taken this up and petitioned the city to test out the closure of rush hours lanes. Currently, there are two eastbound lanes during the morning commute, and two westbound lanes in the evening, with one lane of parking.

On Wednesday, August 27 at 5pm, the Transportation Commission will discuss and vote on implementing the trial. You can find links to watch the meeting or register to give public comment here. Read up on the Legistar information with study plans.

If approved, Traffic Engineering will proceed with temporary sign changes, develop a public webpage and survey to gather feedback, and collect traffic data for evaluation after the test period. The tentative timeframe for the test is Tuesday, September 9 through Friday, October 24.

In other news, the 60th Orton Park Festival takes place this weekend. Hope to see you there!

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• MacArthur Road, Larson Court, Sycamore Avenue Reconstruction, Wednesday, August 27: The purpose of this project is to reconstruct the pavement and replace underground utilities on MacArthur Rd from E Washington to S End, Larson Ct from E End to MacArthur Rd, and Sycamore Ave from MacArthur Rd to Mendota St. A public information meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Aug. 27, 2025. Registration is required.
• Pflaum Road Resurfacing, Thursday, August 28: City Engineering plans to remove and replace the asphalt pavement and road base, replace sanitary sewer main and laterals, replace water main and laterals, replace storm sewer and private storm connections, replace curb and gutter, sidewalk and drive aprons as needed. A public information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 28, 2025, via Zoom. Registration is required.

Announcements and News Releases

• Winners of Madison Public Library’s 2025 WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest Announced: MADISON, WI -- Three young Madison writers were announced and recognized this week as the winners of Madison Public Library and Forward Madison FC’s 4th Annual WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest. [posted August 22, 2025]
• Madison Hires New City Clerk: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has appointed Lydia A. McComas to be the City of Madison’s next Clerk. [posted August 20, 2025]
• Madison’s Aaa Bond Rating Renewed: For the 52nd year in a row, Moody’s Investors Service has assigned the City of Madison the highest possible bond rating. [posted August 19, 2025]
• Goodman Pool Season Ends August 24: Get in your pool days before the season ends! The Goodman Pool will close for the 2025 season after Sunday, August 24, weather permitting. This planned closure is based on staffing availability, as most of our lifeguards are students returning to…[posted August 19, 2025]
• From Council to Community: Meet Your Eastside and Northside Alders: The City of Madison Common Council and Madison College are excited to invite residents to a meet-and-greet event to connect with their Eastside and Northside Alders. This is a great opportunity to engage with your Alders and learn about their… [posted August 19, 2025]
• Period Party at Madison Public Library Set to Expand to Multi-Session Series this September (link is external): Madison Public Library and Public Health Madison & Dane County are partnering to offer informational health events focused on menstruation at Goodman South Madison Library in September. [posted August 18, 2025]
• Meet the Artists Behind the City of Madison’s Next Public Art Project, Aug. 21: The community is encouraged and invited to meet the artists in person ahead of the City’s next exciting public art project, which will be part of the City’s new Far West Public Works Operations Building. The new building will be located at 402 South… [posted August 18, 2025]

Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.

Events

• Learn & Ride, Tuesday, August 26 (Junction Road Park & Ride and Baldwin Station): Both events are drop-in formats and take place at two convenient locations, open to the public. Don't miss this chance to see firsthand how to ride the bus and get helpful tips on navigating transit options across the greater Madison area with Metro Transit. All events will be held inside or near the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations.
• Drywall Installation and Repair by Project Home, Tuesday, August 26: Is your drywall work less than perfect? This comprehensive class takes the frustration out of drywall projects. We’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques, including proper tool usage, selecting the right materials for any situation, and mastering the tricks of the trade for smooth finishes and invisible repairs.
• Cyclocross Practice Night, Wednesday, August 27: In partnership with CORP (Capital Off Road Pathfinders), we offer practice cyclocross courses in select parks for one designated evening in the late summer and early fall.
• Dane Dances: V-Funk / Montage, Friday, August 29: Dane Dances is a free, family-friendly event held every Friday evening in August on the beautiful Monona Terrace rooftop. The much-anticipated summer music series promotes inclusivity for all ages and is a great way to get down and dance with your friends, family, or coworkers.
• Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Hawthorne Elementary School, Saturday, August 30: All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.