Settle for a Slowdown in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. (WRJN) — For now, a compromise appears to have been reached between leaders in Kenosha County and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding proposed changes to Sheridan Road between Kenosha and Racine.

The DOT’s initial plan to convert the four-lane highway into a two-lane road faced opposition from the Somers Village Board and Kenosha County Board. Instead of lane reduction, for now, a speed limit decrease will be implemented.

Starting Monday, Nov. 18, the speed limit on WIS 32 between County KR and 7th Avenue will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph. This change is part of a what’s called ‘a pilot program aimed at enhancing safety’ in the area.

A statement says the decision comes after a DOT analysis found patterns of rear-end and angle crashes, as well as concerns for bicyclists and pedestrians. Speed studies also clocked vehicles frequently moving fast, some exceeding 80 mph.

To educate the public about the new speed limit, they’re putting up additional signage, dynamic speed displays, and increased police presence.

Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner emphasized the importance of the speed reduction, stating, “Reducing the speed limit is a critical step toward improving safety on this stretch of road.”

The DOT isn’t ruling out other changes, saying that the effectiveness of the speed limit reduction will be ‘evaluated through ongoing studies and crash analysis to guide future roadway improvements’.