The Middleton City Council voted Dec. 3 to authorize concept design and task order work for pedestrian improvements on Willis Road — including a mid-block crosswalk near Middleton High School and conceptual work at the Willis and Hartley intersection — with a funding cap not to exceed $25,250.

Public Works Director Jason Van Gilder described two proposals from Precision Engineering: a concept and design for a crosswalk just north of the high school (to connect a subdivision pathway) and a concept plan for intersection pedestrian improvements at Willis and Hartley. He said the work was not originally budgeted but staff and the treasurer identified funds by delaying a separate first‑street concept design project and reallocated the transportation professional services line to pay for the design work.

Council discussed configuration concerns about a mid-block crosswalk but noted student pedestrian safety near the high school weighed in favor of proceeding. Jason estimated construction for the high‑school crossing could be in the $25,000 range (based on previous work), with the intersection improvements likely to be significantly more. He said grant opportunities could be pursued after designs are produced and that the school district had preliminarily discussed partnering on costs.

A motion to authorize the on-call task orders and funding reallocation was moved, seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote.