Traffic is backed up on Landmark Boulevard as drivers try to turn left onto Costco Way. In February, temporary barriers will be put in place to prohibit left hand turns at that intersection. PC: Fox 11 Online
BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Business is booming in Bellevue, which is good news. But with all that business comes an increase of traffic.
Village officials and drivers identifying the intersection of Landmark Boulevard and Costco Way as problematic.
“We’ve noticed 31 different collision or crashes in the last few years and it’s just becoming a larger safety issue,” said village administrator Ben Krumenauer.
Between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles pass through the intersection daily. At least 5,000 make a left hand turn from Landmark onto Costco Way.
“There’s been a lot of crashes. I’ve almost been, like I said, I’ve almost been in a few, just trying to get out of here sometimes. So it’s very congested,” added Drew Heyrman, who works at the T-Mobile store along Landmark Boulevard.
After studying the traffic, Bellevue officials looked at six possible solutions before deciding to eliminate left turns at the intersection.
“This intersection improvement would be the safest mechanism to have the most amount of cost-effective improvements,” Krumenauer said. “Roundabouts are great, but we know that the roundabout at Monroe and (Highway) GV is also showing some traffic issues. So, putting a second roundabout there may not be the most efficient use of our limited dollars.”
In February, temporary barriers will go up on Landmark Boulevard, extending the current median, blocking drivers from making left hand turns onto Costco Way from Landmark Boulevard and onto Landmark Boulevard from Costco Way.
“We encourage most residents that are making a turn to go in that block between Landmark and Town Hall (Road), or they’re going to any business in that area, simply to go up to the next intersection. Go up to Town Hall Road. It’s a signalized road and it’s a much larger intersection,” advised Krumenauer.
The impending change is being met by mixed reviews.
“So it’s gonna be pushing everybody to go around, which is gonna be taking people longer to get in and out of places,” said Angelic Parrish, who works at the Great Clips along Costco Way.
“I see why they’re doing it, so I think it would fix a lot of stuff,” said Drew Heyrman.
If all goes as planned, the temporary change will become permanent by this fall.
The temporary barriers are scheduled to go in around Feb. 9.
Bellevue will soon by making public announcements about the upcoming change.
The village estimates the change to permanent barriers will cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
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