By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and County Highway N in Whitewater went under the microscope at a recent public meeting. The location has been an area of fatalities, but state officials said improvements have been occurring.
The City of Whitewater hosted a public meeting on Sept. 30. Representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation were on hand to share updated information, as were several state-level lawmakers representing Walworth County.
Dewayne Johnson, Southeast Region director with the DOT, and other representatives with the state agency combed through some of the recently implemented changes, including flashing yellow traffic signals that are better designed to delineate between motorists turning against oncoming traffic.
At the beginning of his presentation, Johnson prefaced his remarks by stating the DOT’s review of the intersection has occurred alongside tragedies.
“Unfortunately, (the intersection) is one where we’ve had a number of fatalities over the last number of years,” Johnson said.
The most recent incident occurred in early August when Kaylinn Wilken, 14, and Olly Koelsch, 7, were killed in a two-vehicle crash involving an SUV — which the girls were in with three other surviving occupants — and a semi-tractor hauling a tanker.
The still-fresh memories of that crash resulted in strong words from some of the speakers, who criticized DOT officials for not acting faster and making changes to mitigate accidents.
Walworth Avenue resident Eleanor Wilson was among the residents who implored for a continued review of this and other intersections along the bypass.
“I have heard too many sirens go by, headed out to that intersection,” Wilson said.
Wilson and other speakers said they believed portions of Highway 12 should have reduced speeds, particularly in sections leading up to intersections such as County N.
Several other areas along the bypass have been under review, Johnson said, including the intersections of highways 12 and 89.
While DOT officials promised more reviews, several representatives said they believed some of the more recent changes are a step in the right direction.
The use of yellow flashing traffic signals at the intersection of highways 12 and N have brought more clarity to motorists attempting turns and those oncoming, City Manager Cameron Clapper said.
“The signals are clearer, so (motorists) are able to drive through there without confusion,” Clapper said.
Johnson offered words of sympathy to the family and friends who lost loved ones at the intersection of highways 12 and N but conceded his comments likely would not bring much comfort.
“There are no words that any of us can share to make you feel better about loss of life,” Johnson said. “We are sympathetic. We do care and wish it wouldn’t have happened.”
Although the DOT continues to review changes, Johnson said several common safeguards can play a role in reducing the likelihood of future accidents.
“It’s really important that people are driving the speed limit, setting their phones down, paying attention and providing a good gap between vehicles,” Johnson said. “All of these little things will help.”
