Portage County Kicks Off it’s County-Wide Roadway Safety Planning Effort

Portage county, Wi (WFHR, WIRI)

Portage County and the municipalities of Park Ridge, Whiting, Plover, & Stevens Point have committed to eliminating roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2045 through creation of a Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. With 7,382 total crashes reported from 2017-2021 resulting in 31 fatalities and 1,872 injuries, these municipalites are committed to reducing those numbers to zero. “The County is committed to creating safe streets for everyone,” Portage County Planning & Zoning Planner Kristen Johnson said. “As we begin this 2-year study of roadways throughout the County, we’re seeking input from residents and stakeholders to ensure we address the specific safety needs of our communities.”

This initiative will kick off with an “open house” style public information meeting, from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Mid-State Technical College in downtown Stevens Point. All Portage County roadway users (drivers, transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair, and mobility device users, etc.) are encouraged to attend, review exhibits and materials, ask questions, and provide comments. For those who cannot participate, all exhibits will be available on the County’s website shortly after the meeting with the option to provide feedback.

In addition, Portage County will be conducting a community-wide online survey this fall as well as hosting a second public involvement meeting virtually in Spring 2025. Information about the study and other upcoming meetings can be found on the County’s website