Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in roads
King Street Greenway funding
The council told WisDOT it prefers a new 'hybrid' alternative: bike lanes on Third and Fourth Streets from Vine to La Crosse Street using existing extra lane space, keeping on-street parking south of Vine and losing only about 6-7 stalls near the old Tribune site. A roundabout is planned regardless of this choice.
Losey Boulevard safety improvements
The board approved payments for property the city needs along Losey Boulevard, which keeps the road project moving forward.
Main Street closure for US Bank crane work
A large crane operation will close Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets for roughly one day next week to remove cell equipment from the US Bank Building. The contractor handles traffic control, business notifications, and 24-hour no-parking signage.
16th & State raised intersections
An extra $30,000 (total $90,000) funds raised intersections at 16th & State and 15th & State this year — traffic calming and safer crossings on a narrow, heavily used street residents say is hard to cross.
No Parking Zone on 400 Block of 12th Street North
A partially vacated and reconstructed street is too narrow for parking, so the city is formally banning it on both sides. Neighbors worried about parking when the vacation came through, and removing these spaces may push more cars into nearby residential streets.
Kwik Trip Way/Oak Street intersection improvements
Kwik Trip will rework its Oak Street intersection with a pedestrian refuge island and a redesigned right-turn lane so semi trucks stop swinging so far into traffic. The company pays for the work and deeds land to the city.
Bicycle and pedestrian counting program
La Crosse, Onalaska, and La Crosse County all won competitive Transportation Alternatives Program grants. New automated counters will track bike and pedestrian use on trails, giving the city data to justify future infrastructure investments.
No-parking zone on Barnabee Road
Property owners representing most of the block frontage asked for no parking on the north side of the 1800 block. The city's long-standing practice counts frontage, not people, and the zone passed 4-1.
Mid-block crossing on St. Andrew Street
A new mid-block crossing will make it safer and easier for veterans with mobility issues to reach a business at 1407 St. Andrew Street. The business may pay up front with possible partial city reimbursement in 2027.
Washburn Lighting North and RRFB street projects
Two contracts with Fowler & Hammer, Inc. — $286,422.64 for Washburn Lighting North and $38,194.51 for a Highway 14/61 rapid-flashing beacon project — were up for award.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan amendment
A resolution to amend the 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was on the agenda; the plan guides where the city invests in bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
HWY 53 Project and City Hall Parking Impacts
The state DOT is asking the city to support the HWY 53 project, which could affect parking at City Hall. Visitors and employees who park downtown may see changes.
Ferry Street Reconstruction (11th to 15th Streets)
An ongoing construction project on Ferry Street between 11th and 15th Streets. Residents and commuters in that corridor should expect construction impacts.
6th Street STP-Urban pavement replacement closures
Downtown drivers will see partial closures at eastbound Main Street at 6th Street and southbound 6th Street from Main to State while crews replace pavement from the 2025 6th Street project. Plan a detour if you cut through that corridor.
Street and sidewalk construction contracts
Three contracts were awarded: St. Cloud Street reconstruction ($207,061), the annual sidewalk infill program ($99,620), and Vine/16th Street work ($604,415). Bids for a King Street sewer laterals project were rejected as over budget.