I'm glad "traffic flow" is more important than children crossing a major street to get to school. One weekday afternoon I counted 14 pedestrians (2 adults and 12 minors) waiting to get across the street. I asked and they were coming from Jefferson Elementary School on 73rd and Becher. In order to cross safely at a controlled intersection, these pedestrians would have to walk to 71st and National or 75th and National - 2 blocks out of their way if they lived on 73rd Street. I am disappointed at the response, citing traffic studies and collision rates. This intersection is uncontrolled and is dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross before and after school, not dangerous for cars and drivers. I hope the response is from a private citizen, because I would expect my public officials to put a name on all their hard work and research.

As the traffic data continues to come in, the crash numbers at 73rd and National continue to drop from the data collected while lights did exist there.

Again, traffic signals are not safety devices. They are traffic control devices. The provious posted notes correctly that traffic signals will almost always increase the number of crashed at an intersection.

As for the children, they should be crossing at S. 76th St. or at 76th and Lapham where the crossing guard is.

Chris St. Clair - City of West Allis Traffic Engineer.

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