Redesigning our streets to make them safer for all users is critical in meeting the goal of eliminating serious and fatal crashes. In 2023, Vision Zero improvements are happening throughout Madison, working to make our streets safer for everyone, regardless of whether people are walking, taking transit, biking or driving.

“We are consistently reviewing safety data and gaps in our existing infrastructure to identify improvements that support safety and improve Madison’s overall connectivity,” said Yang Tao, City Traffic Engineer.

Vision Zero infrastructure improvements happen through larger reconstruction projects, as well as through spot improvements as a part of the Safe Streets Madison Program. Every infrastructure project in the City provides an opportunity to be proactive in building safer streets.

Some examples of Vision Zero safety improvements under construction or already completed include:
Atwood Ave

• New multi-use path and sidewalk throughout corridor
• Pedestrian crossing improvements including high visibility crosswalk markings and pedestrian refuge islands
• Improved street lighting

Davies Street

• New sidewalk and multi-use path including accessible bus stops
• Improved street lighting

West Towne Path Phase 3

• New multi-use path connecting to existing path
• Improved crossing at Junction and Watts with enhanced markings and curb work
• Pedestrian crossing improvements including high visibility crosswalk markings
• Improved street lighting
• Improved signage

Westfield Rd at Walnut Grove Park

• Speed humps and islands

School Zone Improvements

• Lincoln Elementary – curb bump out on E Badger Rd at Cypress Way
• Thoreau Elementary – curb bump outs on Nakoma Rd

Starting in August, the City will be continuing efforts to set safe speed limits with speed limit reductions on the following streets:

• Whitney Way (Raymond to Meadowood reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• Maple Grove Dr (Mckee to Cross Country/Nesbitt Rd reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• Rosa Rd (Old Middleton to Mineral Point reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• Eastwood Dr (Riverside to Dunning reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• Tree Lane (Mineral Point to Gammon reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• Hammersley Rd (Whitney to Gilbert reduction from 30 to 25 mph)
• N Thompson Dr (Milwaukee to Swanton reduction from 35 to 25 mph)
• Northport Dr (Knutson to Kennedy reduction from 40 to 35 mph)

“We’ve seen positive results with the speed reductions around our city,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Speed is the number one factor in how dangerous – or deadly – a crash is, so even small reductions in average vehicle speeds can save lives. Everyone in Madison can help build a culture of safety by slowing down and respecting others on our streets.”

These safety improvements focus on federally recognized Proven Safety Countermeasures, to achieve safer streets while also improving walking and biking throughout the community. Everyone deserves to have safer streets to get to work, to school and to play and enjoy our city.