Greendale plans to install a 'speed table' on Broad Street to improve pedestrian safety
In an effort to improve pedestrian safety, the village of Greendale plans to install a speed table on Broad Street, midblock between Northway and Schoolway, where the existing crosswalk is.
Speed tables are long, flat-topped speed humps designed to physically limit the speed at which a vehicle can go over it.
The crosswalk will remain at its present location, but on top of the speed table.
Broad Street runs through the heart of Greendale's historic downtown, with many shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes on both sides.
Village President Jason Cyborowski said the village decided to install the speed table a year or two ago in response to residents' concerns about pedestrian safety on the street.
Cyborowski said a speed table was chosen over a speed hump because speed tables are more effective at limiting vehicles' speeds and are more snowplow friendly.
D.C. Burbach Inc. was the successful bidder on the project, which will cost about $77,000, according to minutes of the July 19 Village Board meeting.
The board approved the project by unanimous vote; it will be fully funded by Community Development Block Grants.
Cyborowski said he's in favor of it.
"Anything to help pedestrian safety is one of my biggest concerns," he said.
The village's Facebook post about the project elicited dozens of comments about the plan, some in favor and some opposed. One referenced a 2010 incident in which a vehicle struck and killed a 5-year-old girl at Broad Street and Northway.
Mike Luce, owner of Barbeque Supply Co., 5668 Broad St., said he's glad to see the change.
"Safety of customers is always a top concern, as well as the quality of their shopping experience," Luce said. "So if it helps out in any way, how can it be a bad thing?"
Work is scheduled to begin in early October and take about three weeks to complete.
During construction, a portion of Broad Street will be closed; traffic will be detoured along Parking Street.
The parking lots for downtown businesses will remain accessible during the construction.
Contact Bob Dohr at 262-361-9140 or bob.dohr@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BobDohr1.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Greendale's Broad Street to get speed table to help pedestrian safety
