Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds Funding to Promote Safe Roads and Address Reckless Driving

“The safety of our streets is a reflection of the value we place on human life. When we prioritize initiatives to make our streets safer, we are building stronger, safer, and more connected communities for all,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I am so glad that these federal funds are coming to Milwaukee as we work toward our goals to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities. This significant investment will enhance safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. This funding is a testament to what can be achieved when federal and local governments work together.”

“Center Street is a vital link in Milwaukee helping families get to work or school and connecting entire communities to economic opportunity,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “At the same time, it is also one of the City’s most dangerous corridors – and I fought hard to deliver funding to change that. This funding will be used to make critical safety upgrades, ensuring that everyone—whether taking a bus, driving, biking, or walking—can get where they need to go safely.”

“I am grateful for this investment. To be clear, this is more than just a road project; this grant will significantly improve the neighborhoods along these two miles of Center Street,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers will all benefit from the changes along this street.  I appreciate the support from Senator Baldwin and the thoughtful review of our application by the Biden/Harris administration.”

“Enhancing the safety of our roads for all who use them is one of the most important issues facing the health, well-being, and economic vitality of our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Local roadways like Center Street are in dire need of safety enhancements to reduce speeding and reckless driving. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and Senator Tammy Baldwin for delivering this critical infrastructure investment to Milwaukee County. Together, we’re working to build safer streets that our residents, families, children, and neighborhoods deserve – because lives depend on it.”

Project Background

The City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is awarded funds for planning, design, and construction of Complete Streets interventions on 2 miles of Center Street, a heavily used corridor that is characterized by wide travel lanes; narrow, unprotected bike lanes; and underutilized parking lanes that many drivers use to recklessly pass on the right. Crosswalks are often unmarked or lack high-visibility markings. The project area is in the City’s high-injury network and is addressing safety issues related to reckless driving (such as passing in parking lanes) and a dangerous intersection with Fon du Lac Avenue. This segment has elevated rates of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. The project area is completely within disadvantaged census tracts, with the tracts’ average median income below the poverty line. Safety interventions include fully separated bike lanes, bus bulb-outs, narrower travel lanes, reduced curb radii, curb extensions, leading pedestrian intervals, raised intersections, and reduction of the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph to create a safer streetscape for the community.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.