County Traffic Safety Commission — Agenda Packet

Chippewa County COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Agenda August 13, 2026 Regular Meeting 9:00 a.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO BE HEARD (Comments from the public will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker) 4. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Approve the Minutes – May 14, 2026 3. Schedule Next Meeting Date – November 12, 2026 9:00 AM 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Amish Buggy Signs – C. Elstran 6. REPORTS 1. CTH H Speed Zone Request – C. Elstran & F. Anderson 2. State Highway Updates – J. Leech 3. City of Chippewa Falls Street Projects – B. Cesafsky 4. Chippewa County Highway Projects – C. Elstran 5. Chippewa County Crash Statistics – A. Clark 6. Wisconsin DOT Traffic Safety Updates – D. Kontos 7. Roundtable report – All 7. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION 8. ADJOURN Chippewa County shall attempt to provide reasonable special accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If special accommodations for a meeting are desired, contact the County Clerk's Office at 726-7980. Members of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors who are not members of this committee are entitled to attend this meeting. It is possible that the attendance of one or more such nonmember Supervisors may create a quorum of some other county board committee, board or commission. Such a quorum is unintended and the nonmember Supervisors are not meeting for the purpose of exercising the responsibility, authority, power, or duties of any other committee, board or commission. Published: July 30, 2026 Chippewa County COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Agenda May 14, 2026 Regular Meeting 9:00 a.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER The Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by the Commission Chair. 2. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Chris Elstran Chippewa County Highway Dept. Highway Commissioner (Chair) Present Sgt. Andrew Clark Chippewa County Sheriff Dept. Sergeant (Vice Chair) Present Jason Moses Chippewa County Emergency Mgmt. Emergency Management Director Absent Jennifer Leech Wisconsin DOT Traffic Safety Engineer Present Dan Kontos Bureau of Traffic Safety Law Enforcement Liaison Present Sgt. Jonathan Luck Wisconsin State Patrol Sergeant Present Brian Misfeldt Altoona School District Director of Operations Present Brady Seidlitz Chippewa County Corp Counsel Deputy Corporation Counsel Present Brian Tonnancour City of Chippewa Falls – Fire & EMS Emergency Medicine Present Lt. Sheridan Pabst City of Chippewa Falls PD Patrol Lieutenant Present Brandon Cesafsky City of Chippewa Falls Public Works Director of Public Works Present Joe Simon Chippewa County Highway Dept. Patrol Superintendent - State Present Jenny Lenbom Chippewa County Public Health Nurse, RN Present Alternates Present: Others Present: Fred Anderson (Highway Department), Marla Prissel (Highway Department), Shane Birtzer (Highway Department), Amy Heizler (Wisconsin State Patrol Chem Test Section), Rich Abramczak, Joe Winger, Kim Koepl, Dana Carlson 3. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO BE HEARD Rich Abramczak: Spoke in favor of reducing the speed limit on CTH H near the new Grace Community Bible Church North of Stanley. Joe Winger: Asked that the commission consider increasing speed limit enforcement or reducing the posted speed limit of CTH H north of Stanley. Kim Koepl: Spoke regarding safety concerns related to traffic near the new Grace Community Bible Church and asked that the commission consider lowering the speed limit on CTH H North of Stanley. Dana Carlson: Voiced concerns about traffic speeds in the area of the new Mennonite school on CTH H near Stanley, asking the commission to consider a reduced speed limit and appropriate school-zone signs, noting that children will be walking to school. Additionally, she requested consideration of a four- way stop or rumble strips at the intersection of CTH MM and CTH G. DRAFT 4. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Approve the Minutes – February 12, 2026 3. Schedule Next Meeting Date – August 13, 2026 9:00 AM 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Discuss proposed Temporary No Parking Zone on CTH S per Sheriff Department’s request (Anson Park) – C. Elstran Elstran updated the commission and showed a map of the temporary no parking zone that will be in effect during Sturgeon Fest in Jim Falls in September. An agreement had already been reached between the Jim Falls Lion’s Club and the Highway Department, so no motion or further action was required at this meeting. 2. Discuss request for temporary ATV/UTV access on CTH S to Anson Park – C. Elstran Elstran shared that a request to allow ATV/UTV access on CTH S during Sturgeon Fest had been reviewed by the Sheriff’s Department and Highway Department, who agree it should not be permitted. No action by the commission was necessary. 6. REPORTS 1. Chippewa County Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan – C. Elstran Elstran informed the commission that the Chippewa County Safety Action Plan has been approved by both the Highway Committee and the County Board. Work on the final reports is currently underway. 2. State Highway Projects – J. Leech Leech provided an update on the 2026 state highway projects. She noted that the STH 29 resurfacing project will continue through mid-September. On STH 53, from 40th Avenue to CTH B, intermittent single-lane closures are expected until June 26 (weather permitting). Work on STH 124 from High Street to Bridge Street is wrapping up, and milling and binder placement from Duncan Creek to CTH S is scheduled for later this week. The overall project is anticipated to be complete by the end of June, with the exception of the roundabout at CTH S, where work is planned between July 20 and August 6. Leech also reported that a stoplight will be installed at the intersection of STH 178 and Olson Drive, along with additional work at the intersection of STH 178 and Cashman Drive; these projects do not yet have a firm start date but are expected to begin in June or July. Lt. Sheridan Pabst asked about the possibility of adding safety improvements at the intersection of STH 178 and Chippewa Crossing Boulevard. Leech provided information on how such improvements are typically evaluated. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Misfeldt SECONDER: Pabst 3. City of Chippewa Falls Street Projects – B. Cesafsky Cesafsky provided an update on road construction within the City of Chippewa Falls, noting that there are only small local road projects beyond the state projects already discussed. Elm Street is expected to be finished after the holiday, and the city is in preliminary discussions with the state regarding a project at the intersection of STH 124 and Woodward Avenue scheduled for 2027. 4. Chippewa County Highway Projects – S. Birtzer Birtzer provided a report of the 2026 construction project plans. He shared a list of upcoming projects. Construction projects will be posted on the Chippewa County Highway Department website and will be updated throughout this construction season. 5. Chippewa County Crash Statistics – A. Clark Clark reviewed crash data so far for the year 2026 and also noted that no fatal crashes have occurred in the county to date. 6. Wisconsin DOT Traffic Safety Updates – D. Kontos Kontos provided a presentation from the Bureau of Transportation Safety (BOTS). Kontos also provided information on the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP). Jennifer Leech with the Wisconsin DOT noted that she can serve as a good starting resource for municipalities looking to pursue HSIP project submissions. 7. WisDOT Chem Test Section updates – A. Heizler Heizler provided an overview of the Wisconsin DOT Chem Test Section, including a map identifying regional contacts, and provided updates related to Wisconsin’s oral fluid testing law. Sgt. Jonathan Luck left the meeting at 10:04 AM Brian Misfeldt left the meeting at 10:11 AM 8. Roundtable report – All Brian Tonnancour – reported on a recent meeting with the County Chief’s, noting the importance of better communication regarding construction activity and road closures throughout the county. Brandon Cesafsky – updated the commission on a potential safety improvement project on Bridgewater Avenue and noted that the City has applied for funding. Chris Elstran – noted that the Highway Department will follow up on the two public-comment requests for a speed limit reduction on CTH H near Stanley. 7. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION 8. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 AM Chippewa County shall attempt to provide reasonable special accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If special accommodations for a meeting are desired, contact the County Clerk's Office at 726-7980. Members of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors who are not members of this committee are entitled to attend this meeting. It is possible that the attendance of one or more such nonmember Supervisors may create a quorum of some other county board committee, board or commission. Such a quorum is unintended and the nonmember Supervisors are not meeting for the purpose of exercising the responsibility, authority, power, or duties of any other committee, board or commission. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Pabst SECONDER: Tonnancour TEOpS 2-3 Page 25 GUIDELINES Cone Method (Preferred) 1. A 28” height cone should be used as a target at the location of the hazard (i.e. snowmobile crossings, pedestrian crossings and school bus stops). In lieu of a 28” height cone, a mailbox or other alternative methods approved by the Region may be used as a target. 2. Set the Distance Measuring Instrument (DMI) when the entire cone is first visible and measure the distance to the cone. Vehicle Visibility Method (Optional) 1. For the installation of side road and crossroad warning signs, park on the side road and determine where mainline vehicle is first visible. Measure the distance between the mainline vehicle and the side road vehicle to determine minimum visibility distance. 2. An optional method that may be used is to park at the intersection or crossing and count the seconds, starting when the mainline vehicle is first visible and equate the time to a distance. For example, at 60 mph, a vehicle travels approximately 88 feet per second. Therefore, at a minimum visibility distance of 665 feet, it would take 8 seconds for the vehicle to reach the intersection or crossing. 2-3-50 Horse Drawn Vehicles January 2003 GENERAL The use of highways by horse drawn vehicles is a common activity of some farming religious sects active in several regions of the state. These low-speed vehicles traveling on the roadway proper or on the shoulder introduces some hazards which are magnified because of the frailty of the horse drawn vehicles and the vulnerability of the occupants and the horse. In view of the potential for injury, HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE (W11- 14) signs should be installed at locations which satisfy the following conditions: 1. The usage of the segment of the state trunk high way by horse drawn vehicles is on a frequent or recurring basis. 2. To the satisfaction of the region, the farmer(s) are using the state trunk highway only where other routes are not available or otherwise not safe or attractive. The Region should get input from the local highway and law enforcement officials and should make an effort to try and convince the religious sects to drive their horse drawn vehicles on the shoulder and not in the travel lane. 3. The Region should consider the shoulder width and configuration (i.e. rumble strips, etc.) and sight distance of the roadway in their decision on whether to sign the roadway. Each segment being used should be identified by the Region and/or County Highway Safety Committee and HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE signs shall be posted at the beginning of the segment. The Region has the option of adding the NEXT XX MILES (W57-5 1) sign to the HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE sign. The HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE sign shall be placed after every major intersection, such as a STH or CTH intersection. The Region should be alert for discontinuance of usage and remove the signs under that condition. 2-3-51 Pedestrian Crossing Warning Signs July 2018 PURPOSE The WisMUTCD provides general guidance for the installation of pedestrian related warning signs. These signs are considered to be the W11-2 (pedestrian crossing sign), W11-9 (wheelchair crossing sign) and the S1-1 (school crossing sign assembly). There are some standards and guidance contained in the WisMUTCD . However, there are several undocumented state practices involving the application of these types of signs. There is a need to encompass the guidance and standards from all of these resources into a single document that will be able to assist the practitioner and provide for a consistent statewide application. POLICY Pedestrian Crossing Signs 1. Pedestrian crossing signs should be used where there are higher volumes of pedestrian activity and at mid-block crossings where crossings are unexpected or the visibility distance, as defined in WisMUTCD section 2C.46 is deficient. Pedestrian crossings signs may be used at unsignalized and non-stop control Disclaimer: This map is a compilation of records as they appear in the Chippewa County Offices affecting the area shown and is to be used only for reference purposes. CTH H North of Stanley Printed 08/12/2026 Scale = 1:383' Road Construction 2026 Maintenance & Construction Schedule Revised July 28, 2026 This list contains planned road construction projects. Please note dates are approximate, and actual construction time frames are subject to change. New updates and completed projects are shown in bold. Construction Projects Culvert Pipe Replacements - Daily Closures (No Signed Detours) • CTH SS (New Auburn CTH Q to Barron County line) • CTH M (150th St. S to 150th St. NW of New Auburn) • CTH N (Dunn County line to 35th St.) - Completed • CTH D (CTH O to 120th Ave.) • CTH G (120th Ave. to 130th Ave.) • CTH CC (STH 64 to CTH Z) CTH R (STH 64 to STH 178) Full reconstruction (Signed Detours) • Currently under construction • June 1, 2026 to August 17, 2026 (Chippewa County's portion of the project) • Full Reconstruction • Road Closed • No through traffic • August 17, 2026 Contractors to begin Pulverizing/Paving • Project expected to be completed mid-September CTH CC (CTH Z to CTH M) - Completed • Milling & paving centerline, rumble strips, pavement marking and signing Paving Projects CTH K (CTH O North to CTH O South) 0.6 Miles • Currently under construction (July 6, 2026 to August 6, 2026) • Flaggers with lane closures • Pulverize - Completed • Pave Binder - Completed • Pave Surface - Completed • Shoulder - Completed • Paint CTH O (CTH XX to STH 27) 2.87 Miles • Currently under construction (July 6, 2026 to August 6, 2026) • Flaggers with lane closures • Pulverize - Completed • Pave Binder - Completed • Pave Surface - Completed • Shoulder - Completed • Paint CTH SS (CTH Q to Barron County line) 0.8 Miles • Flaggers with lane closures • Pulverize • Pave Binder • Pave Surface • Shoulder • Paint CTH M (Front St. to CTH SS) 0.1 Miles • Flaggers with lane closures • Pulverize • Pave Binder • Pave Surface • Shoulder • Paint Line Painting Various Locations from May 26, 2026 to October 1, 2026 PGR Spraying - Complete Maintenance Mowing County: August 24, 2026 to October 1, 2026 State: June 15, 2026 to July 15, 2026 Wisconsin State Road Construction Impacts Northwest Wisconsin Weekly Construction Updates The Chippewa County Highway Department would like to keep you informed of all projects being completed in Chippewa County. Get state construction and road condition updates. JAN 1ST-July 29TH 2025 JAN 1ST-July 29TH 2026 2025 2026 YTD YTD YTD ALL ACCIDENTS WITHIN THE COUNTY TOTALS TOTALS VARIANCE Car Deer 118 119 0.8% Property 530 513 -3.2% Injury 137 136 -0.7% Fatal 5 1 -80.0% CITY OF CHIPPEWA FALLS Car Deer 5 5 0.0% Property 114 129 13.2% Injury 29 23 -20.7% Fatal 0 0 0.0% VILLAGE OF LAKE HALLIE Car Deer 8 14 75.0% Property 101 72 -28.7% Injury 22 26 18.2% Fatal 0 0 0.0% ACCIDENTS INVOLVING IMPAIRED DRIVERS 49 38 -22.4% ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DISTRACTED DRIVERS 62 43 -30.6% ACCIDENTS INVOLVING MOTORCYCLES 10 18 80.0% ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DRIVERS 65+ 133 143 7.5% ACCIDENTS WITH TEEN DRIVERS 118 116 -1.7% ACCIDENTS WHERE SPEED WAS A FACTOR 118 116 -1.7% CHIPPEWA COUNTY CRASH STATISTICS Traffic Safety Commission Chippewa County August 13, 2026 Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technical Services 2Q 2026 Statewide Crash Statistics 2026* 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 Total Crashes = 29,660 29,666 31,259 29,402 29,532 30,021 Resulting in: Injuries = 8,289 8,179 8,762 8,573 8,264 9,379 Fatal Injuries = 135 131 161 161 153 153 5 Yr. Fatality Average = 573 * Indicates Preliminary Numbers 2Q 2026 Statewide Crash Statistics 2026* Ave. ‘21-‘25 Change Total Crashes = 29,660 29,976 -1.0% Resulting in: Injuries = 8,289 8,631 -4.0% Fatal Injuries = 135 152 -12.4% 5 Yr. Fatality Average = 573 * Indicates Preliminary Numbers 2Q 2026 County Crash Statistics 2026 vs. Average of Previous Five Years 2Q 2026 County “KABC” Crashes 2Q 2026 County Crash Statistics 2026 vs. Average of Previous Five Years 2Q 2026 County Crash Statistics 2026 vs. Average of Previous Five Years 2Q 2026 County Crash Statistics 2026 0 0 1 0 1 Ave. ‘21 - ‘25 0.8 0 1.0 0.4 1.8 2Q 2026 County Crash Statistics 2026 vs. Average of Previous Five Years 2026 Fatal Crashes YTD 1Q Fatalities 1/1/2026 – 3/31/2026 2Q Fatalities 4/1/2026 – 6/30/2026 3Q Fatalities 7/1/2026 – 9/30/2026 4Q Fatalities 10/1/2026 – 12/31/2026 Five Year Average = 7 Legislative Update • 2025 Act 35, EMS Education and Live 911 Pilot Program • 2025 Act 37, License Plate Concealment Devices • 2025 Act 39, Police Vehicle Lights • 2025 Act 41, Dispatcher Immunity • 2025 Act 46, Reckless Driving Vehicle Impoundment • 2025 Act 51, CMV Cameras “Mirror Eye” • 2025 Act 52, Purple Funeral Vehicle Lights • 2025 Act 53, Fleet Registration • 2025 Act 54, Move Over Slow Down for Disabled Vehicle • 2025 Act 64, UTVs Not Motor Vehicles, Even if Registered Out of State… Legislative Update • 2025 Act 83, Increases UTV Weight from 3,000 to 3,500 Pounds • 2025 Act 97, Counterfeit Airbags • 2025 Act 99, Oral Fluid Roadside Testing • 2025 Act 114, ATV/UTV Operation & Patrol ATV/UTV, OHM, Snowmobile • 2025 Act 148, Fatality Review Teams • 2025 Act 160, School Bus Camera Recording • 2025 Act 161, OSOW Permit Grain, Feed, Commercial Fertilizer • 2025 Act 195, Operating While Intoxicated • 2025 Act 208, School Bus Lamps • 2025 Act 209, Driver Education Curriculum (School Bus)… Legislative Update • 2025 Act 210, Ignition Interlocks • 2025 Act 245, False 911 Text Messages • VETO: SB-699/AB-709, Increase Non-bus Pupil Transport from 9 to 15 July 2026 6-31 National Mobilizations: Speeding Catches Up with You, Speeding Slows You Down 13-17 Rural Road Safety Awareness Week August 2026 19-7 National Mobilizations: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over; Drive High, Get a DWI; Ride Sober, or Get Pulled Over 24-26 Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety September 2026 20-26 Child Passenger Safety Week 26 Car Seat Check Saturday Dates to Watch 3Q October 2026 – Pedestrian Safety Month 18-24 Teen Driver Safety Week 19-23 School Bus Safety Week 25-31 Enforcement: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving; If You Feel Different, You Drive Different November 2026 23-29 Enforcement: Click It or Ticket; Buzzed Driving…; If You Feel Different... December 2026 1-Jan. 1 Social Norming: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different 7-11 Older Driver Safety Week 16-Jan. 1 Enforcement: Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over; Drive High, Get a DUI 26- Jan. 1 Enforcement: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Dates to Watch 4Q Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety 4/26https://topslab.wisc.edu/gchs/ Topics Include: • E-Bikes & Vulnerable Road Users • Various Impaired Driving Topics • Sharing the Road With ATV/UTVs • Safe Routes to School & More • Wisc’s New Roadside Oral Fluid Law • Teen Driver Safety • Traffic Safety Messaging & Communication • MADD’s Court Monitoring Program • Traffic Incident Management Topics WiSTAR Project Wisconsin Safety and Transportation Analysis Resource 5/26 Community Maps Virtual Office Hours Second Monday of Each Month from Noon to 1 PM 6/24 https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97091429213?pwd =FHjPsYlQxhYK1vxtWCiiOEvAAVmAhn.1 Who Should Attend? ● Traffic Safety Commission Members ● Law Enforcement Agency Supervisors ● Highway/Traffic Safety Professionals ● Current and New Users ● Anyone Interested in Community Maps Scan the QR code to join the Zoom meeting! 7/24 County and Tribal Profiles Updated for 2023-2025 7/27 Save The Date User Conference Wisconsin Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 11 th Edition Overview (Adopted February 2026) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices • Contains standards and guidelines for traffic Control devices (signs, pavement marking, signals) • Required to follow on all roadways open to public travel – U.S. Code of Federal Regulations • Essential to have nationwide consistency in traffic control standards Recently Adopted 11 th Edition of the MUTCD • Wisconsin must adopt a manual per state statute 84.02(4). • Local units of government must follow the manual, per state statute 349.065 • Wisconsin then develops a state MUTCD (a.k.a. WMUTCD) • State supplements and state MUTCDs must be in substantial compliance with the national MUTCD Why Wisconsin Develops a State MUTCD • Combines state specific standards, guidelines, and statutory references with the federal MUTCD language. • Provides additional supporting information. Location of WMUTCD (internet search “wmutcd”) *Previous (2009) version available at the bottom of the webpage. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices • Standard: required, mandatory, or specifically prohibited practice; “shall”; bold text • Guidance: recommended practice, deviations allowed; “should”; italicized • Option: statement of practice with no requirement or recommendation; “may” • Support: informational statement, no degree of mandate WMUTCD specific text is in blue (previously was red) Definitions of Headings TEOpS Traffic Engineering, Operations and Safety Manual • Contains additional guidance for WisDOT roadways  Policy contained within the TEOpS must conform to the WMUTCD  Locals are under no obligation to follow, but are encouraged to consider following to promote consistency in WI CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION Internet search “wisdot teops” Notable Changes in the Recently Adopted (11 th Edition) of the WMUTCD Discusses and addresses intersection control in order of restriction: No control Yield control Stop control, inc. all-way stop • Added requirements for all-way stops and signals. • Use the least restrictive appropriate control. Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs 2B.06-2B.20 Signing for Right-of-Way at Intersections 34 Now black and yellow, not black and white (can be orange in work zones or yellow-green in school zones) Plaque design must be installed underneath regulatory speed limit signs WisDOT Approved Products List created with compliant devices Old non-compliant devices may remain until the end of their useful life Chapter 2C – Warning Signs 2C.13 Vehicle Speed Feedback Sign and Plaque Chapter 2D – Conventional Roads 2D.59 Emergency Routing Signs and Plaques ALTERNATE plaques will be phased out and replaced with EMERGENCY ROUTE TO plaques The meaning stays the same 36 Chapter 2H – General Information Signs 2H.13 Acknowledgment Signs and Plaques The background now has to be blue Chapter 3A.04 Line Widths Normal Line – 4 to 6 inches Wide per the WMUTCD  6” lines will be used for normal lines on state highways due to safety benefits.  Locals can use 4” to 6” markings. Signal Warrants – Chapter 4C Warrants: SHALL be met, now SHOULD be met Puts more emphasis on using engineering judgment to determine when a signal should be considered. Note: TEOpS keeps warrants at SHALL on state highways. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) – Chapter 4L New chapter describing operation and design of RRFB • Previously, only supplemental guidance Chapter 7B – Signs  7B.05 School Speed Limit Signs and Plaques Previous Advanced Signing Configuration New School Speed Limit Sign fines are higher (double) for speeding only per state statute Old School Speed Limit Sign (T o be phased out) Example of New Signing Configuration Our Team David Dahms Telephone (608) 910-0472 Email David.Dahms@dot.wi.gov If I can help… Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technical Services Wisconsin State Patrol | Wisconsin Department of Transportation IncidentResponseLLC@gmail.com (715) 498-6762 Stay Safe… Law Enforcement Liaison Dan Kontos