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Ridgewood Neighborhood Association

2009 Update from Ald. Clausius


March 2009

Springtime greetings to all Ridgewood area residents!! I would be amiss if I did not take this opportunity to say Thanks for the overwhelming support that I received in the February primary election.  As stated previously, I will continue to work with residents in getting things done for our district rather than making headlines.


Before totally leaving behind the deliberations for the 2009 city budget, I would like to mention the Madison Metro bus fare increase.  At a recent 2:00 AM city council meeting, it was voted to increase the cash bus fare from 1.50 to 2.00.  The fare increase was necessary for several reason including:

  • 150,000 will now be available for bus service expansion, without the increase service would need to be reduced.
  • More security will now be added at transfer points, especially at peak transfer times.
  • Providing a new program for low-income riders, existing passes now costing 48.00 monthly will be reduced to 27.50 for low-income riders.
  • Metro will now be able to start rebuilding its cash reserves and stave off another round of fare increases in the near future.

As many of you have already noticed, Segment 4 of the East Washington Avenue (EWA) Reconstruction Project is now underway.  This will be the final and most extensive segment of the five-year reconstruction project.  It will include not only the EWA/HWY 30 bridge interchange but also the Fair Oaks /HWY 30 interchange.  The major construction is slated for completion in December, 2009 with the landscaping portion of the project scheduled for 2010.


When completed the new changes will include:

  • A reconfigured interchange at EWA/HWY 30 that will allow for all turning movements on/off EWA.
  • Traffic signals will be added at the ramp intersections with EWA.
  • Bike lanes and decorative lighting will be added on EWA.
  • The new EWA/HWY 30 bridges will have prairie style architecture features matching the new pedestrian bridge at Marquette Street.

Residents can obtain weekly updates on construction and lane closures by visiting: http://www.eastwashingtonavenue.com/


I am also pleased to report that construction is continuing on the new HyVee grocery store in the former K-Mart building and the drive up Starbucks in the former Frame Workshop building.  Both projects will be of benefit to area residents and eliminate a couple of vacant buildings on the “Wash”.


In closing, I have sincerely enjoyed serving as your alder the past two years and ask for your support in the April 7th election.  If anyone has a question regarding our district or city, please contact me at district17@cityofmadison.com or 244-5066.