Madison Reporter: Madison's Vision Zero initiative focuses on enhancing road safety through various projects

Since 2020, Vision Zero Madison has been working on safety improvement and speed management projects to enhance travel safety across city streets. These initiatives include the implementation of high visibility crosswalks, green bike markings, rapid flashing beacon lights, and improved signal visibility. The program also focuses on reducing speed limits in high injury zones.

“Vision Zero is all about prioritizing safety for all roadway users no matter what type of travel. Whether you are driving, walking, biking, rolling or taking public transit, every person has the right to travel safely across our City,” stated Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Vision Zero strives to improve our streets and prevent serious and fatal crashes. While each of these projects may be small, they add up to a big impact, and a safer city.”

Key projects under Vision Zero include the John Nolen Drive Reconstruction set from 2025 to 2029. This project will involve infrastructure improvements along the causeway between E Olin Avenue and S Broom Street. Phase One will cover E Lakeside Street to S Broom Street with expected construction in 2025-2026. It includes bridge reconstruction, traffic calming measures, expanded paths for bikes and pedestrians, shoreline reconstruction along Lake Monona, storm sewer upgrades, traffic signals, street lighting improvements, and coordination with potential future enhancements as per the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan.

The Autumn Ridge Path project aims to connect Milwaukee Ave and Commercial Ave with a new bridge overpass over Highway 30. This shared-use path enhances safety for non-motorized transportation modes by linking neighborhoods across Highway 30 and expanding the area's bike network.

Another ongoing project is Rutledge Street Reconstruction which includes curb bump-outs at intersections to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and vehicle speeds. The project also features improved pavement markings for safer pedestrian crossings.

In 2025 alone, 27 Safe Streets Madison Projects have been approved by the Transportation Commission. These projects introduce proven safety countermeasures like bike lanes and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs). Some examples include parking-protected bike lanes on Broom Street and street reconfiguration on Thierer Road.

Additionally, starting this summer, speed limit reductions will be implemented on several streets including Old Sauk Rd (from Beltline to N Pleasant View Rd), Raymond Rd (from McKenna Blvd to S High Point Rd), Eastpark Blvd (from Portage Rd to American Pkwy), and W Washington Ave (from Park St to Regent St).

“We want to thank our residents and City officials for the support and collaboration in making our streets safer,” said Yang Tao, Director of the City’s Traffic Engineering Division. “To achieve safer streets, Madison needs to continue to improve walking and biking accessibility throughout the community. Everyone deserves safe streets for commuting or leisure activities.”

Vision Zero emphasizes creating a safe driving culture aimed at zero fatalities or serious injuries on roadways through design adjustments accommodating human error while promoting community outreach on safe travel practices.

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