09/18/2018- Some changes are coming to one of Marinette’s traffic trouble-areas- at least on a trial basis. Earlier this year, City Engineer Brian Miller addressed the Civic Affairs, Cemetery, Traffic, and Lights Committee about the intersection of Jefferson Street and Hall Avenue. There was some concern that motorists were confused by the stoplight there and the one that immediately follows at Madison Street and the committee at that time asked Miller to contact the Wisconsin DOT about possible options. Monday, Miller proposed temporarily turning off and bagging the Jefferson Street signal to gauge how it impacts traffic flow.
Police Chief John Mabry noted that traffic backups will be likely along Hall Avenue with the elimination of one of the lights and it may be difficult for motorists to turn off of Jefferson Street onto Hall Ave. Miller said the trial period will be two to three weeks long and the City could then discuss alternative signage or turning Jefferson Street into a one-way street to alleviate those issues if the light were permanently removed. The Committee unanimously approved Miller’s recommendation to temporarily bag the traffic light and forwarded it on to the full common council.