City of Racine
City Completes Downtown Safety and Accessibility Improvements on Main Street
The City of Racine has completed two improvements along Main Street between State Street and Seventh Street designed to make downtown safer and more accessible for everyone who walks, bikes, drives, or visits the area.
The project includes new audible pedestrian signals at six downtown intersections and updated traffic signal timing intended to reduce vehicle speeds through the downtown business district.
Audible Pedestrian Signals Improve Accessibility
Audible pedestrian signals have been installed at each signalized intersection along the corridor. The system provides locator tones and audible walk indications to help people who are blind or have low vision safely navigate crosswalks and travel independently through downtown.
These upgrades are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to making public spaces more accessible for residents and visitors of all abilities.
Updated Signal Timing Encourages Safer Speeds
The City has also implemented new traffic signal timing along Main Street between State Street and Seventh Street to encourage slower, more consistent vehicle speeds.
Rather than allowing drivers to travel through multiple green lights, the revised timing requires motorists to stop at several intersections, reducing the incentive to speed through downtown.
Previously, traveling the corridor during peak traffic periods took approximately 83 seconds. With the new timing, the trip now takes about 50 seconds longer on average. Traffic analysis found the revised timing increases travel time to approximately two minutes while maintaining acceptable traffic operations.
A Cost-Effective Solution to Improve Safety
The improvements were developed in response to concerns raised by downtown businesses and community stakeholders about vehicle speeds on Main Street.
As part of the evaluation process, the City considered multiple options, including rerouting State Highway 32 off Main Street. That alternative was estimated to cost more than $1.5 million and would not have directly addressed speeding concerns.
Instead, the City selected a cost-effective solution that focuses on the underlying issue by encouraging slower, steadier travel through the downtown corridor.
Mayor Cory Mason said the improvements reflect the City’s commitment to creating a downtown that is safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
“We’ve heard concerns about vehicle speeds on Main Street, and we wanted a solution that addressed those concerns directly,” Mason said. “These improvements make downtown safer for pedestrians, improve accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision, and encourage motorists to travel through the corridor at safer speeds—all in a practical and cost-effective way.”
The City appreciates the community’s support as it continues investing in projects that improve safety, accessibility, and the overall downtown experience
