On November 25, 2024, the Village Board directed the Engineering Department to develop a long-term solution to maintain bicycle safety while removing the flexible delineators along 85th Street. After evaluating multiple options, the Engineering Department recommended implementing a Two-Way Left Turn Lane (TWLTL) between Old Green Bay Road and Cooper Road. On February 10, 2025, the Village Board approved a contract with Ayres Associates to design the project.
85th Street is a frequently used local roadway that experiences congestion during peak hours. Vehicles often stop in travel lanes to turn left, and many drivers began using the adjacent bike lane to pass on the right to avoid delays, creating safety hazards for cyclists and pedestrians. To address these concerns, the Village installed "Do Not Pass on the Right" signs and placed flexible delineators at various intersections to separate travel and bike lanes. While these measures improved safety, the delineators also presented challenges, including obstructing snow removal, disrupting traffic flow, and being prone to damage.
“The traffic delineators along 85th Street have been a recurring topic over the past year," said Village Engineer Kurt Davidsen. "After evaluating multiple options, the TWLTL plan provides the most cost-effective solution by utilizing the existing roadway. Since no land acquisition or major construction is needed, the project can be completed efficiently by removing existing pavement markings and restriping the road.”
The TWLTL design will replace the parking lane and create a dedicated center lane for left turns, helping to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. This option will maintain dedicated bike lanes on both sides of the road to enhance safety and reduce conflicts between vehicles and cyclists.
Additional improvements will include dedicated left-turn lanes at side street intersections and raised or painted medians near intersections where feasible without restricting driveway access. The 2025 Paving Program will fund the project, and the Engineering Department plans to solicit bids later this spring. The roadway improvement is expected to be completed by the end of the year.