Bartlett Residents Upset By Increased Traffic

The stretch of Bartlett Avenue between Lake Drive and Hampton doesn't typically see too much traffic – until recently.

Residents of the street have seen traffic increase exponentially since March 26, when a detour routed southbound Lake Drive traffic down the 4800 and 4900 blocks to allow for the Lake Drive water main replacement project. Because of the increased traffic, a temporary four-way intersection was created at the end of Bartlett Avenue, at Hampton Road.

Local residents take some comfort in knowing the detour only lasts through April 12, but in the meantime, some neighbors are upset about speeding, increased congestion and difficulty backing out of their driveway. 

"I wish people would be more cognizant that they are going through a neighborhood and not Lake Drive," said Bartlett Avenue resident Kevin Nettesheim.

The Whitefish Bay Police Department has installed a speed monitoring device in the 4900 block to deter speeding, and a number of "slow down" signs have been posted along the boulevard. Police Chief Michael Young said officers have ran radar in the area, but speeding doesn't seem to be much of a problem.

Although the detour lasts until April 12, the entire construction project is expected to continue through June 28. The $1.2 million project will replace two 99-year-old, six-inch water mains with one 12-inch water main. It is the third and final phase of the Lake Drive water main replacement project.