The Shawano Common Council approved an ordinance June 10 to reduce the speed limit on Green Bay Street between Eberlein Park and Airport drives from 40 mph to 35 mph.
The field committee recommended the change in May after a speed study showed the lower speed would be better for traffic safety. With the increase of business traffic in the area, and with it new driveway additions, it has become difficult at times for vehicles to get back on Green Bay Street after visiting businesses.
West of Eberlein Park Drive, the speed limit for Green Bay Street is 25 mph and stays there to the city limits at the Wolf River, while it’s 45 mph east of Airport Drive and continues to be until the intersection of County Road BE.
Because the segment of road is part of three state highways, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation had to give its stamp of approval before the city could make the change. Anthony Kemnitz, DOT traffic safety engineer, said once the city adopts the new ordinance reducing the speed limit, it will be enforceable by local and state police.
Police Chief Mike Musolff said the problem with speed on the segment of Green Bay Street has been an issue since he took over the police department in 2025.
“I’ve been very worried about East Green Bay Street, especially in the area of Walmart and Kwik Trip,” Musolff said. “We see a significant amount of crashes in that area, and I think a lot of it has to do with the speed limit. You’re going from 25 to 40 as you exit toward Airport Drive.”
The average speed for that portion of Green Bay Street, about a half-mile, is at 40 mph, according to Musolff. He said reducing it to 35 makes it easier for vehicles to exit businesses without an extensive wait for traffic.
“The study was sent in to the state, and the state agreed the speed limit should be 35 miles per hour, especially since there are no access roads to the businesses,” Musolff said.
New signs are being ordered showing the speed limit change, and once that happens, law enforcement can cite anyone driving more than 35 mph in the area.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
