Abrupt closure of Hank Aaron State Trail leaves residents frustrated

I, along with many residents, commuters and outdoor enthusiasts, was disappointed to learn of the abrupt closure of the Hank Aaron State Trail from 76th St. to 84th St. With no advance notice concrete barriers appeared and will be in place through August 14. Even worse, no alternative routes or accommodations were put in place for the heavily traveled trail that is used by bikers, runners and those commuting from the west side of the city toward downtown.

While I understand the intention behind the decision to ensure safety of those attending the State Fair, we should not be harming one group to protect another. For those biking this portion of the trail, their alternative is to travel on 76th St. which has no bike lanes, and on Greenfield Ave. which is a busy section of roadway, particularly when you consider the increased traffic due to the fair.

I call on the State Fair Park Board and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to rectify this situation by taking down the barriers blocking access to the trail and instead putting up vehicle-stopping barriers where needed at the trail’s side, so that no access could be gained to the fair park from a vehicle traveling on the trail.

This is a sensible and direct alternative and solution, and given the way in which this situation has been handled, our constituents deserve as much.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.