By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Traffic signals will likely make an appearance in the years ahead at one of the Village of Waterford’s busiest intersections: Milwaukee Street and East Main Street.
But village officials have been scrutinizing the more specific details concerning the types of signals that could be placed at the intersection. As with any project, the cost has been one of the sticking points.
The village’s appointed Plan Commission has been reviewing the signal proposal at recent monthly meetings. At a regular Village Board meeting held Dec. 8, Village Administrator Rebecca Ewald said the projected cost of placing signals at the intersection would be around $200,000.
The village’s plans for placing heightened traffic controls at the intersection are partially tied into the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s imminent reconstruction of Highways 83 and 20. Ewald said the village has engaged in dialogue with DOT officials about the traffic signals.
No firm decisions have been made on the exact type of signal or what kind of lighting will be used. Another issue that’s under the microscope: Should the signals be placed in front of eastbound traffic, westbound traffic — or both?
Commissioners also have raised concerns about what Main Street traffic will look like if two signaled intersections are in place.
The village recently placed a traffic signal at the intersection of First and East Main streets. The decision was haled as a remedy to frequent traffic back-ups at the intersection — particularly occurring during peak times, such as weekday afternoons.
But Ewald said input from engineering firm R.A. Smith National has suggested the two signaled intersections will not hamper traffic. Under the existing infrastructure designs, R.A Smith’s analysts have projected traffic flows can be accommodated through 2038.
Further discussion on the future of the Milwaukee Street-E. Main Street intersection is projected in the new year.
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