Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Information session Thursday about roundabouts
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Oct 8 2008, 11:48 AM
I will be one of the moderators at a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) public information session on the proposed $6.5 million reconstruction of the Interstate 43/Racine Avenue interchange. The session will be held Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. A formal presentation about the project will be given by the DOT at 7 p.m.
The project includes reconstruction of Racine Avenue from College Avenue to Julius Heil Drive, ramp reconstruction, a new deck for the Racine Avenue bridge over I-43 and two roundabouts to be constructed for the on-and off-ramps of the freeway. Work will begin during April 2009 and is projected to be completed during November 2009.
Recently, I spoke with DOT Project Development Chief John Oimoen about my concerns with roundabouts including about markings, lane size, diametric configuration, and the overall ability of drivers to maneuver safely. Oimoen told me a lot of time was spent by the DOT addressing the design of the Moorland Road roundabout in New Berlin. The DOT had difficulty with the roundabout because of construction going on at the same time at I-94 and Moorland.
Oimoen insisted that the ability of semi trailers to negotiate the roundabout was taken into consideration in the design process and that the roundabout is equipped to handle traffic volume for the next 25-30 years. He said quite a bit of sophistication goes into a roundabout’s design, followed by a critical review done by an independent peer group.
I repeated the suggestion I made to the DOT’s Southeast Region Director DeWayne Johnson that the DOT should bring together special study groups of designers, engineers, and importantly motorists to determine the best model for roundabouts. I have asked the DOT to conduct simulations with a cross-section of Wisconsin drivers and cross-section of vehicles before proceeding further with roundabouts.
When the DOT holds its information session Thursday in Muskego, I told Oimoen that I wanted the format to be an open microphone meeting that would allow concerned citizens to directly voice their questions, comments, and concerns. Oimoen refused, saying the meeting would turn into a debate. I then suggested that citizens in attendance be allowed to submit written questions because the session should not be a one-way communication where the DOT simply states what it intends to do. Oimoen thought the suggestion was a fair and good idea and agreed to written questions from the audience. Oimoen and I will serve as the moderators for the meeting.
WHAT: Wisconsin DOT information session about reconstruction of the Interstate 43/Racine Avenue interchange
WHERE: Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego
WHEN: October 9, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. DOT presentation 7 p.m.
Previously, I blogged that the DOT should take a slower approach toward its philosophy to blanket the state with roundabouts.
