Starting on Monday, the speed limit on Highway 32 in Kenosha County will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph. The change affects the stretch between Carthage College and the Racine County line, an area known for speeding and accidents. In 2023, Wisconsin saw over 16,000 speed-related crashes, resulting in 176 fatalities, according to a report by TMJ4.
Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner emphasized that the goal is not to issue many citations but to slow traffic down and ensure the safety of residents, including students. To help with this, new speed limit signs have been installed, and additional officers will patrol the area. As Zoerner stated, "We don't want to write a lot of citations," adding, "We just want to slow traffic down," as stated by CBS58.
This initiative is part of a collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, local government agencies, and educational institutions aimed at reducing crashes on Highway 32. "Kenosha County is passionate about traffic safety," said County Board Supervisor Dave Geertsen in a statement to FOX6. Supported by a recent grant, these groups are working together to improve traffic conditions and safety in the area.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation engineering analysis of the WIS 32 corridor underpins the decision, identifying trends of high-speed rear-end and angle crashes, paired with a risk analysis reflecting the corridor's mixed use by bicyclists and pedestrians. "Public safety is our number one concern," said Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, who believes the new speed limit will certainly make local roads more secure to navigate for everyone involved. "And we want to make sure that people feel safe when entering or leaving the City of Kenosha – and we believe that this will help in that endeavor," Mayor Bogdala told FOX6.
