The solution to the speed limit issues near the new Oconto Falls Middle School may be for the city to annex the road, City Administrator Peter Wills has told the Oconto Falls City Council.
School officials have experienced frustration in their efforts to have the speed limit reduced along County Road I near the new school, which is scheduled to open in September 2025. The building is on the other side of the county road from Oconto Falls High School and Oconto Falls Elementary School.
Representatives from state said the 45 mph speed limit can’t be reduced because there are not enough residential driveways along the road — and school and municipal driveways don’t count toward the total.
In his monthly written report to the council, Wills said he and Police Chief Brad Olsen, school district Superintendent Dean Hess, and several Oconto County Board members have been in discussions with county Highway Commissioner Brandon Hytinen.
The commissioner told the group that the state Department of Transportation recommends that the city annex County Road I from state Highway 22 to Main Street.
“I will reach out to the towns of Oconto Falls and Stiles regarding interest in the city taking over County I, and the city would be responsible for all maintenance of the road,” Wills said.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
Annexation could solve middle school speed limit woes
