Vision Zero Continues Speed Reductions on a Section of Old Sauk Rd

The next 2022 roadway improvement scheduled through the Vision Zero initiative takes place on Monday, September 12th to a section of Old Sauk Rd, from Westfield Rd to the Beltline. This roadway is a common access road that leads to the Beltline from nearby neighborhoods and serves as a route into the Middleton area with commercial shops and restaurants.

Along with the previous speed changes occurring earlier this year on East Washington Avenue, John Nolen Drive and Mineral Point Rd, this speed reduction is another step forward towards the goal of zero deaths. However, this speed reduction can mean the difference between a serious or a minor crash. Although City outreach shows that residents prioritize safety over convenience, this speed reduction from 35 mph to 30 mph will not significantly impact travel times on this stretch of roadway.

For the first half of 2022, the total number of traffic crashes citywide are down 5% from the same time period last year. More importantly, traffic fatalities and serious injuries resulted from these crashes are down 29% in the City of Madison. These speed limit reductions, and other safety improvements, are improving safety for roadway users on Madison streets and the data shows this. These important steps are just one way of reaching the goal towards zero deaths on City streets.

Additional streets scheduled for speed limit reductions in 2022 include:

• Portage Rd
  • E Washington Ave to Hanson Rd (reduced to 25 mph from 30 mph)
• Segoe Rd
  • University Ave to Odana Rd (reduced to 25 mph from 30 mph)

For each of these changes, along with updated permanent signs, staff will place temporary digital signboards in the area to remind drivers of the speed limit changes from 35 mph to 30 mph.

What is Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is a data driven strategy intended to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on City streets by 2035 while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. For more information about the City of Madison’s Vision Zero initiative and to sign up for Vision Zero news updates, please visit the City of Madison’s Vision Zero Website.

Links

• Previous Release: East Washington Ave Reduction
• Previous Release: John Nolen Drive Reduction
• Previous Release: Mineral Point Rd Reduction

Images