APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – No access signs along Richmond Street in Appleton have been up since early June as a roundabout is being built at the intersection of Richmond and Northland Avenue.
However, the closure is causing quite the headache for residents who live off west Ridgeview Drive.
The residential street is being use as an undesignated detour for drivers.
Residents like Mike Erschnig tell WLUK traffic has been constant.
“You have to be real careful when you back out of your driveway, because cars are just speeding through here.”
He says in addition to speeding, trucks and semi’s are also passing through, what is normally a quiet street.
“We got trucks that can’t find their way to the alley behind the shopping mall, and they’re driving through here trying to find a way to turn away.”
The Appleton Police Department issued a statement.
“The Appleton Police Department has increased patrols in the area and ask those who don’t have a need to be in the area to take a different route to get to their destination by following the appropriate (posted) detours.”
But some don’t seem to mind the traffic.
“It really doesn’t matter, it’s just a little bit more than it was, it was just real quiet, but I know that in a of couple months it’s going to change,” said Elmer Marx, who lives in the neighborhood.
Marx said as they wait for the construction to wrap up, he has one request for drivers…
“Just be careful, keep the speed limit down.”
Construction’s expected to end Sept. 1.
