Depies Urges Two-way Consideration

This summer’s temporary conversion to a two-way traffic pattern on 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay has eased the concerns of at least one important voice in the debate over a permanent switch on the thoroughfare.

In a letter to aldermen, the mayor, and administrator Steve McNeil, City Engineer Tony Depies urged the city council to consider a permanent switch now, while cost savings can be achieved and work drivers are used to the pattern. He said he has heard mostly positive comments about the switch, and only a few “not so positive.”

“[The switch to two-way traffic] has not appeared to cause any negative impact on the pedestrians,” Depies wrote. “And therefore I am pleased to say that much of my previous objections to a two-way pattern have been discredited.”

In his letter, Depies emphasized that he was not trying to promote either traffic pattern, but that if the city wants to consider it, now is the time before traffic is switched back to one-way after construction on Michigan Street is completed.

“…if you want to review a permanent two-way street pattern before the Michigan Street bridge reopens, do it now. If you want to wait then we are all set and no action is required,” Depies wrote.