City Times Staff

The future of County Hwy. HH in Whiting is up for discussion tonight.

County officials have proposed a “road diet” for County Hwy. HH, also known as McDill Ave., which is currently being resurfaced.

The road diet, which Highway Commissioner Nathan Check said would involve “simple re-striping”, reduces the roadway to a two-lane roadway with turn lanes between Olympia Ave. — just east of Ministry Medical’s Hoover Clinic — and the intersection of School St. — a popular pedestrian crossing for students of McDill Elementary.

Check said the lane reduction could help keep speed limits in check, enhance safety and allow for bicycle lanes along the road, but added further traffic studies would need to be done first.

During a public hearing on the proposal in May, most village residents were strongly opposed to the change, citing concerns for safety and arguing one lane in each direction was impractical for an arterial road with heavy semi traffic.

Others in the village, along with residents from the City of Stevens Point in attendance, as well as area bicycle enthusiasts, were largely in favor of the idea. That group also promoted an online petition supporting the reduction, which to date bears 82 signatures.

Officials from the Whiting Public Works and Parks Committee will discuss the issue at their 6 PM meeting on Tuesday. The public is welcome to attend.

The Village of Whiting Municipal Building is located at 3600 Water Street.