July 1, 2026 9p
(WGTD)---Plans to reroute STH 32 off of Racine's Main Street to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown have been shelved in lieu of less expensive changes that have actually already been implemented.
Consultants in 2019 recommended moving the state highway designation to the west, thereby enabling the city to reduce the number of lanes on Main in either direction from two to one. The plan included bike lanes, wider sidewalks and replacing all of the traffic signals with four-way stops.
The plan was ultimately rejected because of the cost: $1.5 million.
In a bid to accomplish some of the same things, the city has installed audible pedestrian signals and adjusted the timing of the traffic lights. According to a news release, it now takes on average slightly longer to pass through the downtown area on Main. The release says the effect is less speeding and a safer environment for pedestrians.
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