Second public meeting on West River Drive study scheduled for May 14

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT — City officials will host a second public informational meeting next week as part of an ongoing traffic study of West River Drive, aimed at improving safety along the corridor following a fatal pedestrian crash in 2024.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Public Works Garage, 100 Sixth Ave. Residents, property owners, and anyone who uses the corridor are encouraged to attend.

The City of Stevens Point retained engineering firm AECOM in early 2024 to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the roadway after a pedestrian was struck and killed while walking along the southbound shoulder of West River Drive. The study focuses on the corridor from the Canadian National Railroad crossing south to County Hwy. HH, with particular attention south of West McDonald Drive.

As part of the first phase of the study, AECOM identified and implemented short-term safety improvements, including new road striping and speed feedback signs in both directions. The changes were designed to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance pedestrian safety.

Officials say the upcoming meeting marks the beginning of the second phase of the project, during which AECOM will evaluate the effectiveness of those short-term measures and present potential long-term improvements for the corridor.

City officials emphasized that public feedback is a vital component of the project and will help guide future decisions.

Anyone with questions or comments who cannot attend the meeting is encouraged to contact the city’s engineering division at 715-346-1561 or email [email protected].