La Crosse, WI (WXOW)-- La Crosse city crews have been resurfacing an area of Losey Boulevard since June. Parts of Losey are reduced to one lane and sections of Main Street are closed.
Since the start of the Losey Boulevard project, both law enforcement and residents along the stretch of highway have noticed an increase in traffic accidents.
"We've seen a few more accidents out on Highway 16, coming to La Crosse on Losey Boulevard and La Crosse Street," said Lt. Patrick Hogan with the La Crosse Police Department.
"I've seen one everyday and I would venture to guess that there are more," said Bruce Erdman, who lives just off Highway 16, near the construction.
The project, which spans from La Crosse Street to Market Street, reduces traffic to one lane at the edge of the city.
"Usually it's happening once the vehicles are merging into one lane," Hogan said. "Vehicles are not driving attentively, and most people are not giving themselves enough room. So, the accidents we're seeing are rear-end collisions."
But Erdman says he notices the accidents happening on the bridge and blames a lack of signage.
"I think there's a sign out, probably a mile and a half out from here toward the mall," Erdman said. "And then nothing, until you get to the bridge here. And you have one big long curve that you cannot see around out here. And then when you get to the top of the bridge there's a sign."
But police say the appropriate signs are in place and it's up to drivers to be more aware.
"I don't think there's anything more we can be doing with the signs," Hogan said. "We're just asking motorists to pay attention and make sure they're following at a safe distance."
Erdman says he has contacted the police about his concerns and they were very receptive, but he would like to see more action.
And while Erdman says the construction is a headache for many, he also believes it is a necessary project.
"Losey Boulevard was in terrible shape," Erdman said. "In the meantime we just need to minimize property and personal injury."
The resurfacing project is tentatively scheduled to be complete by mid-September.
