The Beloit City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety with the approval of a public works contract for a demonstration project aimed at reducing speeding on Milwaukee Road. During the meeting on November 18, 2024, council members discussed the implementation of a road diet, which will narrow the four-lane section of Milwaukee Road to two lanes using jersey barriers and updated paint striping.

This initiative is part of a broader Safe Streets for All grant received by the city, which includes funding for a citywide Safe Streets action plan. The specific project on Milwaukee Road addresses a critical safety concern, as the area has been the site of numerous accidents, including fatalities. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has plans for a future project at this intersection, but city officials are eager to implement changes sooner to mitigate risks.

The council received three bids for the project, with Zenith Tech submitting the lowest bid of $91,849.85. Notably, 80% of the project costs will be covered by the grant, up to $80,000. Council member Dentsch emphasized the importance of this project, noting that he has received numerous calls from residents concerned about speeding and accidents in the area. He expressed optimism that the road diet would yield positive results similar to those seen on Cranston Road, where similar measures successfully reduced speeding.

The demonstration project will also involve collecting speed data before and after the implementation, allowing the city to present findings to the Department of Transportation for potential permanent changes in the future. This proactive approach reflects the city’s commitment to improving public safety and responding to community concerns.

As Beloit moves forward with this project, residents can expect a safer driving environment on Milwaukee Road, with the hope that these changes will lead to a significant reduction in speeding and accidents in the area.