Waupaca diverts Park Avenue traffic

By Robert Cloud

Motorists on Churchill Street in Waupaca will notice a recent change in traffic flow.

The city is prohibiting left turns onto Park Avenue while the yellow lights are flashing before and after school.

Waupaca Police Chief Brian Hoelzel said traffic was backed up on Shoemaker Road due to vehicles turning onto Churchill Street.

Parents are dropping off and picking up their children from Waupaca Middle School and Waupaca Learning Center.

At the same time, traffic is backing up on Churchill Street as vehicles turn left on Park Avenue, located between Nelson’s Shell Station and The Hut.

“People are complaining about how long it takes to get in and out,” Hoelzel said. “If they go one block north, they can follow Demarest all the way to Berlin Street.”

Hoelzel said barricades will close off Park Avenue from 7-8 a.m. and from 3-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Due to early dismissals, Park Avenue will be closed from 2-3 p.m. Wednesdays.

Flashing school zone signs will warn motorists when Park Avenue is closed.

“It improves safety for the kids crossing the street, people can get in and out of the school easier, and we don’t have people backing up,” Hoelzel said.

Motorists who fail to comply with the new traffic restriction can receive a $175 ticket and have three points assessed against their license.