Date: September 23, 2003

To: Madison Pedestrian-Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Commission

From: George Hall, Regent Neighborhood Association

Re: Agenda Item F.5.: UW Update, Lot 76

RNA members would like to briefly comment on the list of Lot 76 Parking Ramp Associated Improvements the University is committing itself to implement as part of the Lot 76 Ramp project. For several years the RNA has asked a committee of neighbors interested in traffic calming to review materials associated with projects such as this one. The following summary comments come from group members.

As you know, this is a 1,285-car parking deck to be located next to Nielsen Tennis Stadium on Walnut Street, adjacent to surface Lot 60, and will be accessed from Campus Drive by either University Bay Drive or Highland Ave, or from University Ave., by Walnut Street.

We commend the University for identifying, and committing to install, the necessary internal circulation and safety enhancements that will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety within the West Campus. Bravo!

But having said this, the issues affecting safe and adequate pedestrian and bicycle access between the West Campus and surrounding neighborhoods remain to be resolved, and are assigned lower priority among the list of “Future Projects in Development.”

· Only one intersection is mentioned in the “commitment list” of Lot 76 Parking Ramp Associated Improvements, and that is Walnut Street and University Avenue, where increased walk light times and review of turning movements and light changes with city staff is suggested. Set against the cost of the Lot 76 Ramp, this is small potatoes when considering the overall extent of connectivity needs between the campus and the city.

· Among the projects listed as “Future Projects in Development,” we see under “Traffic Calming” the statement “work with City of Madison and Village of Shorewood Hills….to identify traffic calming options for local intersections immediately adjacent to the University to discourage commuter traffic through the local neighborhoods. Currently Highland Ave. is scheduled for traffic calming by the City of Madison (balloting to obtain parcel owner approval was completed over a month ago), and the time to integrate intersection improvements with the remainder of the street from University to Regent is now. Perhaps UW was not aware that this street was a current project.

· Similarly, under “Potential Intersection Improvements,” UBay Drive/Campus Drive/Farley is listed as a “Future Project in Development.” The RNA, along with other neighborhoods and their alderpersons, have been requesting a pedestrian bridge at this intersection, where pedestrians and bicyclists all compete to cross 6 traffic lanes amidst left- and right-turning vehicles trying to clear the intersection while lights are green. It is difficult to see yet additional parking improvements proposed without accompanying intersection improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists that would mitigate safety problems created by increased traffic volumes.

Other comments from neighbors include:

· Lot 76 should be devoted to flex parking, instead of assigned parking, in order to encourage less than daily vehicle use, and to support alternative modes of commuting that UW is making available to faculty and staff.

· There are several text errors that erroneously assign jurisdiction to the City of Madison when it is actually Village of Shorewood (ie. Sidewalks to be installed on north side of University Avenue between Ridge and University Bay Drive is Village of Shorewood/Dane County jurisdiction – for county trunk highway purposes).

· Sidewalks should be installed on west side of Ridge to provide pedestrian access to UW Pediatrics.

· Costly projects are pushed into the out years. Given the cost of the ramp, the investment in immediate physical ped/bike safety improvements is minimal. (But we understand phasing and coordination with construction projects is necessary.)

· Some of the institutional mechanisms required to coordinate multi-jurisdictional projects will require real commitment, coordination, and follow through by UW, neighborhoods, city and village staff and elected officials – which could complicate accomplishing a number of projects on the “Future Projects in Development” list.