MILWAUKEE — When driving through Milwaukee you might notice new additions continuously being added to the roadways like bumpouts, cement planters and flex posts.

This is part of the Milwaukee’s Traffic Calming Project.

The project is being used to slow down drivers and stop reckless behavior, like passing in bike lanes or on the wrong side of the road.

What You Need To Know

  • The City of Milwaukee’s Traffic Calming Project is being used to slow down drivers and stop reckless behavior

  • There's been 14 high-injury roadways and intersections so far that has had changes done

  • Speeding has been reduced by 86% on Locust Street after bumpouts and traffic circles were added 

City leaders released the results of the traffic-calming measures implemented in Milwaukee since beginning in 2020.

According to the city, so far changes have been made at 14 high-injury roadways and intersections.

At each location, the number of drivers speeding decreased between 2 and 86%. So did the amount of driving over the speed limit. 

Although this indicates progress, many people who live in these neighborhoods still have concerns.

One of those concerned is Joshua Tatum who works on North Avenue.

“This is dangerous,” said Tatum. “Here’s not even enough room on the streets because of that.” 

He said he’s witnessed cars drive right into the cement barriers and the planters.

“The sidewalk,” said Tatum. “The little curve things. That’s dangerous. There’s going to be a lot of accidents, especially this winter.”

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said while the changes might take some time to get used to, they will make a long-term difference. 

“Hitting some of those flex posts they might understand that that’s not where cars go,” said Johnson. “It’s where bikes go perhaps or things like that. It takes education. We’ll continue to provide that as we move forward.”  

Johnson purposely gathered at 27th and Highland because he said speeding decreased by at least 3 MPH on Highland after eliminating a right turn slip lane. The lane is now covered in art. 

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works partnered with LUNA LLC, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers and Near West Side Partners.

The project there closed to close the right turns lip lane at 27th Street and Highland Boulevard along with Cesar Chavez Drive and Latham Boulevard.

The data shows that crossing time for people walking across the street was reduced by 8 seconds and 26 feet after the slip lane was closed. 

Johnson said speeding was reduced by 86% on Locust Street after bumpouts and traffic circles were added.

On Oklahoma Avenue, a road diet, bumpouts and median islands were added reducing speeds by 30%.

Other areas include Appleton Avenue, 43rd Street and Humboldt Boulevard. 

City leaders said similar projects will be one next on Van Buren Street and Howard Street.