As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Waukesha City Hall, city officials gathered to address pressing safety concerns at a notorious intersection. The Building and Grounds meeting on June 30, 2025, focused on strategies to enhance traffic safety at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Highway 18, where a recent fatal accident had raised alarms among residents and officials alike.

The discussion began with recommendations for immediate improvements, including the installation of additional pavement markings and flashing stop signs for both east-west and north-south traffic. Andy Raul from Ayers Associates, who joined the meeting via Zoom, emphasized the importance of these measures to mitigate the high number of eastbound crashes. Alderman Payne echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a comprehensive approach should also consider the stretch of Highway 18 between US 18 and Country Road, which he described as "overbuilt" and potentially contributing to the safety issues.

The committee outlined a tiered plan for short-term solutions, which could be implemented within the year. This plan includes overhead flashing stop signs similar to those near local schools, speed feedback signs to encourage drivers to slow down, and enhanced pavement markings. The estimated cost for these improvements is around $220,000, a figure that sparked debate among council members regarding budget constraints and the urgency of the situation.

Alderman Rick Leteska shared his perspective, noting that many accidents stem from drivers failing to stop at the existing stop signs. He advocated for immediate visibility enhancements, such as bright orange flags on stop signs, to catch drivers' attention. Leteska acknowledged the limitations of the current budget but stressed the need for a long-term plan to address the intersection's design flaws, which many agreed were contributing to the dangerous conditions.

The conversation also touched on more extensive long-term solutions, including the possibility of constructing a roundabout, which could cost between $500,000 and $1 million. However, the council recognized that such a project would require significant funding and planning, likely extending beyond the current fiscal year.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that while immediate actions could be taken to improve safety, a more comprehensive strategy would be necessary to address the underlying issues at the intersection. The council members left the meeting with a renewed commitment to prioritize traffic safety in future budget discussions, ensuring that the tragic events at Sunset Drive and Highway 18 would not be forgotten.