Intersection changes planned in Star Prairie

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The intersection of Jewel Street, Jerdee Avenue and Highway 65 has been a traffic problem spot in Star Prairie for many years. A possible fix is on the way, with Jewel being converted to a one-way street next month.

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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Northwest Region in Eau Claire, in partnership with the Village of Star Prairie, will soon be implementing new traffic restrictions at the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 65, Jerdee Avenue and Jewell Street on the north side of Star Prairie.

Assuming the Star Prairie Village Board approves a final resolution at its Oct. 6 meeting, WisDOT crews will begin making changes to the intersection in early October that will turn Jewell Street into a one-way northbound street only.

Village officials want to prohibit southbound and eastbound traffic from entering Jewell Street from Highway 65.

Currently, the safety of motorists is being compromised by Highway 65 southbound traffic proceeding straight without yielding to traffic on the right. There have been eight crashes at this intersection in the last 15 years, WisDOT officials report.

Most recently a bicyclist was severely injured in a crash in June when he was struck as he rounded the curve.

There is also a concern with high vehicle speeds along Jewel, as well as a problem with motorists driving through the stop signs at Jewel and Bridge Street.

According to Village Clerk Patsy Johnson, the intersection, stop sign and speeding problems have been an issue for years.

During a public hearing on finding a solution to the problem earlier this month, residents in those neighborhoods all agreed that something should be done.

“They want to try the one-way road to see if that helps with the concerns,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping it will be a solution to some of the problems.”

To ensure compliance once the one-way signing and marking is complete, motorists can expect a heavier law enforcement presence at the intersection, WisDOT officials warn.

Tags: star prairie, news, traffic, wisconsin