Department of Transportation

The next 2022 roadway improvement scheduled through the Vision Zero initiative takes place on Monday, September 26th to a section of Portage Rd, from East Washington Ave to Churchill Heights Park. The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph from 30mph. Portage road is a residential street near the airport that features many apartment buildings and homes, as well as a school and a park.

Along with the previous speed changes occurring earlier this year on East Washington Avenue, John Nolen Drive, Mineral Point Rd, and Old Sauk Rd reducing the speed limit on this stretch of road will help ensure the safety of all roadway users without changing much of the travel time. Future improvements such as an island in the street will be implemented along the curve on Portage Rd, which will help slow traffic down along that bend in the road.

Seven people have been seriously injured since 2016 on Portage Rd along with numerous minor injury crashes. This speed reduction and the planned addition of islands near Clove Drive are important strategies to eliminate serious crashes. Reducing the speed will also make safer for people walking and biking to the parks and school in this growing neighborhood.

The last speed reduction to take place in 2022:

• 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 30 mph to 25 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.