One of the most dangerous streets in Madison could be transferred to the city’s jurisdiction in a move leaders say would make it easier to implement future safety improvements.
City staff members are in discussions with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to turn the stretch of South Park Street from the Beltline to West Washington Street from a federal connecting highway to a city street. The proposal would also apply to:
- West Washington from Park Street to Proudfit Street
- Proudfit Street itself
- North Shore Drive
- John Nolen Drive from North Shore Drive to Blair Street
- Blair Street from North Shore Drive to East Washington Street
The transfer could see the state Transportation Department issue a one-time payment of $36 million, with $10 million of the payment set aside for Park Street reconstruction, though figures had not been finalized as of last week. The remaining $26 million would be used for other projects, with $5 million potentially allocated for remaining pavement replacement on John Nolen Drive.
The state would then cease its annual $300,000 connecting highway aid payments to the city, and Madison would be ineligible for future state payments for rebuilding the highway.
City Transportation Director Christof Spieler said at a meeting last week the move would allow the city to modify the streets without having to go through as many hoops…