Slower traffic on Willy Street during rush hour begins Tuesday

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Traffic is expected to be slower on Willy Street during rush hour starting Tuesday. 

Usually, street parking is banned during the heaviest traffic in the morning and evening. The idea was to allow more cars to drive down Williamson Street at the busiest times of the day. 

The city’s Transportation Commission voted last month to bring parking back. Parking during rush hour begins again Tuesday, Sept. 9. It’s an attempt to solve safety issues on Willy Street, where cars crashing into buildings is more common than other areas of the city. 

Someone crashed into Mother Fool’s in May, that was the third time the building’s been hit. Willy Street Treasure Shop, Change Boutique, and Ha Long Bay have all had cars ram into their buildings. 

The Marquette Neighborhood Association pushed for the parking changes. 

Staff from the Traffic Engineering Division and members of the Transportation Commission know they’ll be hearing feedback from residents. 

“We’re going to use public feedback, I’m pretty sure people are gonna share their experiences with us,” said Yang Tao, the Director of the Traffic Engineering Division. “We’re developing a survey right now.”

The change is only temporary. It will last through October 24. During that time, the Traffic Engineering Division will study traffic patterns and travel times.