In a recent meeting of the City of Waukesha's Building and Grounds Committee, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding traffic safety at a notoriously dangerous intersection. The discussions highlighted a growing consensus among residents that a roundabout may be the most effective solution to mitigate reckless driving and improve safety for pedestrians, particularly children and bus riders.
Kathy, a long-time resident, emphasized the need for a roundabout, arguing that it would compel drivers to slow down and navigate the intersection more cautiously. She expressed frustration over the current conditions, stating, "It's a crazy area," and underscored the city's obligation to ensure safety for all users of the road.
Angie Beck, a local police officer, shared her firsthand observations of reckless driving patterns captured by her Ring doorbell camera. She noted that the intersection's wide road encourages speeding and dangerous behavior, such as running stop signs. Beck recounted her experience with traffic accidents in the area, advocating for a roundabout based on successful implementations in other locations, which have significantly reduced crash rates and severity.
The meeting also featured Jerry Griffey, who echoed concerns about the intersection's safety and criticized the timing of a recent traffic volume study conducted in March, suggesting it did not accurately reflect the ongoing issues.
Residents collectively urged city officials to prioritize the installation of a roundabout over other proposed solutions, such as flashing stop signs or medians, arguing that these measures would not adequately address the underlying problems of reckless driving and traffic congestion.
As discussions continue, the community remains hopeful that their voices will influence future planning and safety measures at this critical intersection, aiming for a long-term solution that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.