MADISON (WKOW) — The City of Madison is testing lane closures on Willy Street during rush hour. This coincided with the Willy Street Fair, providing a live demonstration of how these changes impact safety and accessibility.

The city initiated a $24,000 study earlier this month, funded through Safe Streets Madison. Previously, Willy Street featured one lane each way, with parking lanes converting into driving lanes during rush hour, effectively creating four lanes. The new test keeps it one lane each way all day, allowing cars to park on the sides.

"What I've seen the last couple of weeks, since the test started, is more pedestrians on the street. It feels safer," said Jon Hain, owner of Mother Fool's Coffeehouse.

Hain noted that the changes enhance both safety and accessibility. Mother

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