Legislators, officials discuss Highway 12 bypass safety

Rep. Don Vruwink, in front of window, convenes a meeting with state and Whitewater area officials to discuss safety concerns along the Highway 12 bypass.

Rep. Don Vruwink, D-Milton, organized a meeting with Wisconsin Department of Transportation staff and representatives from the City of Whitewater, Walworth County Sheriff’s Department, Whitewater Fire Department and the Town of Whitewater recently.

Attendees, which also included state senators Steve Nass and Janis Ringhand, discussed safety improvements at intersections along the Highway 12 bypass near Whitewater.

“Immediate changes will be made at the intersection with County N, namely the addition of a yellow flashing arrow for drivers turning left onto County N headed toward the City of Whitewater,” said Vruwink, whose Assembly District includes Whitewater Township and portions of Jefferson, Rock and Dane counties.

“A yellow flashing arrow means it is OK to turn left if there is no oncoming traffic,” Vruwink added. “Currently, there is only a solid green light with a sign telling motorists to yield to oncoming traffic.”

Vruwink also reported that taller traffic light poles would be installed for greater visibility.

“A camera will be installed to monitor traffic flow at the intersection,” Vruwink said in the news release. “At my urging, Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper and the DOT will organize a community meeting to discuss long-term safety improvements along the bypass.”

Data collected from the camera will help provide further information at the public meeting.

“Over the past two weeks, I heard from 39 individuals demanding safety improvements,” Vruwink said in his statement.

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