Jeff Fimreite
March 9th, 2026
I’ve had a great week walking District 21 and many more to come. It has been wonderful meeting voters throughout the community. I want to thank my family and friends for helping along the way, as well as the many residents who have asked for yard signs and offered donations this past week. While I did not accept these donations, the offers mean a great deal, and I am very grateful for the support and encouragement.
As I continue visiting with residents across District 21, many people have shared the growing traffic concerns along County OT. As Brice Prairie continues to grow, the roads connecting our community to Onalaska, Holmen, the Town of Holland, and New Amsterdam are carrying more vehicles than ever. Unfortunately, the current road design has not kept pace with that growth. I recently learned there will be a roundabout installed on OT near Kwik Trip and McDonald’s, which is a positive step and that will improve safety in that area. However, there are a few additional locations where traffic flow and safety remain ongoing concerns.
- The traffic bottleneck caused by the signal on OT heading into Brice Prairie
- After a new road was put in, a visibility hazard at the OT/XX intersection due to a recently installed safety highway sign that was installed
Both reflect a larger issue: our infrastructure must match how people actually live, commute, and travel today. One of the most common concerns involves the traffic signal on OT and crossing Highway 35 heading into the Prairie. Anyone who drives that route during peak hours has experienced the backups and the long waits that occur during busy times of the day. One design issue that stands out is that the straight lane also serves as the left-turn lane, a layout that is uncommon in La Crosse County and contributes to unnecessary delays. Residents regularly describe traffic backups during the morning and evening commute, signal timing that does not seem to reflect the real flow of traffic- especially when turn signals are involved- increased congestion during school hours, and safety concerns caused by heavy stacking of vehicles and frustrated drivers.
What may seem like a simple inconvenience can actually have broader impacts. When a primary access point into Brice Prairie becomes a choke point, it affects emergency response times, school transportation, and the daily routines of hundreds of families.
Another issue involves the intersection of OT and XX near the newly constructed roadway. At this location, a county-installed highway “safety sign” is creating an unintended problem by blocking visibility for drivers turning left towards Midway and seeing oncoming traffic coming from New Amsterdam. Residents have to inch dangerously forward into the intersection to see oncoming traffic, making it difficult to judge vehicle speed and creating an unsafe situation for what should be a routine left turn. A sign that is intended to improve safety should never create a new hazard, and this is the type of issue that can and should be reviewed and addressed quickly. I have also heard about some of the crumbling roads in our county that need attention.
Beyond traffic concerns, a resident from the Town of Holland recently shared a broader issue that is also worth paying attention to. Homes are being built at a rapid pace in the area, yet business development has not kept up with that growth. When residential growth significantly outpaces commercial investment, traffic naturally increases because residents must travel farther for everyday goods and services. Roadways experience greater strain from daily use, and communities lose opportunities for local jobs and diversification of the tax base. As development continues across Brice Prairie and the Town of Holland, it is important for the county to evaluate what steps can be taken to encourage responsible business investment alongside housing growth. Smart planning means thinking ahead rather than reacting after congestion and infrastructure strain become the norm.
As someone who lives in this community and drives these roads daily, I believe these concerns deserve thoughtful review. If elected, I will request a formal review of the OT traffic signal timing and lane configuration, advocate for a visibility and safety assessment at the OT and XX intersection, and push for relocation or redesign of the obstructing sign if the review shows that it is creating a hazard. I will also work to ensure that Brice Prairie, the town of Campbell and the Town of Holland are included in long-term transportation planning while exploring county-level strategies that support balanced economic development as residential areas continue to expand. Most importantly, I will continue bringing forward the concerns and ideas shared by residents so common sense, data-driven solutions can be considered.
Smart road design protects families, supports responsible growth, and strengthens confidence in local government. It does not always require excessive spending, often it simply requires common sense, coordination, and a willingness to listen to the people who use these roads every day.
I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences and ideas. If elected, your input will help shape meaningful solutions.
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