MADISON, Wis. — If you’ve been on the Beltline lately, you’ve probably noticed the increase in traffic, and not just during rush hour. When the highway is cut down to just one lane on some nights, drivers are often left at a standstill.
Although the Flex Lane construction is playing a role, Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy Evan Tilleson said there’s also more cars on the road.
“We’re also seeing higher traffic volume right now being that people are going back to work and the pandemic is winding down,” said Tilleson.
He said the amount of cars on the Beltline has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Construction has also narrowed each lane by about a foot, so that leaves more opportunity for driver error, especially if they’re distracted.
“With the lanes being narrowed and the traffic barriers and the jersey barriers, it has created a less forgiving environment for driving,” said Tilleson.
Monona Police, who also monitor a stretch of the highway, say they’re seeing more crashes and speeding in general this year.
Data shows there have been 29 crashes on the Beltline since March 1 of this year. In that same period of 2020, Monona Police say there were 14 crashes. In 2019, there were 26.
“The Flex Lane is being implemented on the Beltline to improve travel time reliability, address congestion delays and reduce the number of congestion-related crashes,” said Steve Theisen in a statement from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The project is expected to be completed in December 2021.
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