City of Madison
Traffic Engineering - Yang Tao, Director

Neighborhood Proposal to Reverse Direction of One-Way Streets Prospect Pl and Washburn Pl

Project Overview

The City of Madison has received a request to reverse the one-way traffic flow on Prospect Place and Washburn Place. Currently, Prospect Place is a one-way street off of N Paterson St with traffic flowing southwest and Washburn Place is a one-way street with traffic flowing southeast. To get to either Prospect Place or Washburn Place, vehicles must first travel on N Paterson St. What is being discussed is whether to reverse the one-way traffic flow of these streets so that in order to get to these streets, vehicles would first turn off of E Gorham Street onto Washburn Place and then proceed to Prospect Place. Vehicles leaving this area would have to travel to N Paterson St and use the traffic signal at N Paterson Street and E Gorham Street.

The City of Madison Traffic Engineering is hosting a virtual public meeting to get feedback from residents who would be impacted by this project. A decision has not been made one way or another, City staff would like to hear from residents before determining how to proceed.

Project Limits

Washburn Place between E Gorham Street and Prospect Place.

Prospect Place between Washburn Place and N Paterson St.

Project Schedule

Public Involvement Meeting – May 28th, 2020 starting at 5:45 pm

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • The intersection of N Paterson Street and E Gorham Street is signalized which would allow vehicles to exit the neighborhood at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal
  • The intersection of N Paterson Street and E Gorham Street has better sight distance than Washburn Place and E Gorham Street which allows drivers to see other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians from a further distance away

Cons:

  • Washburn Place is steep which could create slippery conditions in the winter making it difficult to enter the neighborhood
  • The steep grade of Washburn Place could also interfere with snow removal and trash removal
  • Possible adjustment period while drivers learn the new traffic pattern

Contact information

Jeremy Nash

(608) 266-6585

jnash@cityofmadison.com

Alder Patrick Heck

(608) 286-2260

district2@cityofmadison.com

Maps & Graphics