Building safer Whitefish Bay streets for kids and families
A new Whitefish Bay village plan will improve pedestrian safety near schools, including St. Monica School (pictured)
Walking and biking is about to get safer in Whitefish Bay.
At the Feb. 17 Village Board meeting, trustees moved forward with improvements designed to enhance safety around the community’s school zones. These changes come courtesy of a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, which provides approximately $497,600 for targeted projects within the village’s five school zones.
The TAP grant program focuses on transportation alternatives such as safer walkways, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings.
The project stems from analyzing traffic flow, studying problem intersections, and listening to residents. Now they can bring these plans to life.
Priorities and Projects: Data-Driven Approach
A 2022 traffic study formed the backbone of these decisions. The study analyzed where children frequently walk or bike, how cars flow near schools, and which intersections have the most significant safety concerns. That data recommended upgrades across seven key intersections in the village.
While signage and flashing lights do help, the Public Works Committee and Village Board prioritized “concrete changes”—such as curb bump-outs and enhanced crosswalks—because these physical improvements most effectively slow traffic, increase driver awareness, and shorten crossing distances for kids.
One trustee noted that physical infrastructure makes a lasting impact, with narrower crossing distances and clearly marked crosswalks reducing conflict points and keep kids safer.
Because these projects tap into grant funds, the village must follow state guidelines that set deadlines (construction may begin in 2027) and cap the budget at around $622,000. This means the board had to pick which of the areas offered the biggest impact for the dollars available.
Which Projects Are Covered
The improvements currently scheduled (Options 1–5, plus an alternate Option 6) aim to address the highest-traffic, highest-risk locations near the school zones:
Lake Drive (Option 1)
Will modernize broken overhead flashers/signs.
Santa Monica & Belle (Option 2)
Bump-outs and curb extensions will make crossing more visible and reduce crossing distance.
Additional Santa Monica Improvements (Options 3–5)
Similar upgrades—curb extensions, marked crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures.
Marlborough & Hampton (Option 6, Alternate)
If funds remain after designing Options 1–5, the village plans to add further improvements (bump-outs, improved signals) here. This area may also see a more extensive overhaul in the future if Marlborough Avenue undergoes a full redesign.
The plan is to design options 1-6, and then bring cost estimates back to the board to see which projects fit best within the grant funding.
Board members discussed at length why improving concrete curbs and adding bump-outs could be more effective than signage alone. One trustee mentioned, “Anytime we narrow the crossing distance, we reduce conflict points. This can be invaluable for younger students who aren’t always easy to spot by turning cars.”
Timeline and Next Steps
Under current Wisconsin Department of Transportation rules, major construction tied to this TAP grant could begin in 2027. That might feel far off, but the board is looking at the long term. Trustees also expressed interest in tackling other intersections not covered by the TAP funds once additional grant opportunities arise or when larger road projects, such as a full Marlborough redesign, get underway.
The board emphasized they are committed to all seven recommended areas. This grant covers some, and they’ll explore new opportunities for the rest. In a year or two, they hope to have a village-wide map of upgrades that move the needle on safety.
While the board’s vote helps unlock the TAP grant for immediate design work, residents can expect more public discussions as updated cost estimates come forward. In addition, a bike and pedestrian safety report is expected soon, which could further shape long-term decisions about crosswalks and road layouts near local schools.
