By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
As the planned reconstruction of Highway 59 draws closer, City of Whitewater officials are working with the Wisconsin Department of Public Transportation on design elements.
Latisha Birkeland, neighborhood services director, and Mark Fischer, city engineer, provided a brief update on the project, earmarked for 2017, at a recent Common Council meeting.
At the moment, the city and DOT are working together on a number of issues, including the possible widening of sidewalks in the area, curb locations and the placement of trees and other vegetation.
Fischer said he and other staff at City Hall recommend the terrace width along Highway 59, otherwise known as Milwaukee Street, be widened between Newcomb and Willard streets.
“Impacts of terrace widening on the south side of Milwaukee Street appear to be manageable,” Fischer said.
Also under consideration is a pedestrian enhancement near Taft Street to better accommodate pedestrian traffic. A so-called pedestrian island or bump-out are two possible scenarios that had been discussed in the past, but might not be pursued, moving forward.
“Pedestrian traffic at this location is expected to be reduced in the future, so special features may not be necessary,” Fischer said.
Further updates are anticipated at forthcoming Common Council meetings.
In other recent business, the council:
• passed an ordinance to increase dog license fees – annual licenses for unneutered and unsprayed dogs are rising from $15 to $20, while neutered and spayed dog license fees are being increased from $10 to $15 annually;
• issued a beer and wine license to the owners of Taco Fresco, a new Mexican-themed restaurant at 175 W. Main St.;
• approved a request by the Greater Whitewater Committee to close portions of city roads for a marathon Sunday, Sept. 22; closures will occur between 6 a.m. and noon along several streets near the university.
