Segment of Walnut Street gets new name

The city of Madison has approved a name change for the segment of Walnut Street that runs east/west between Marsh Lane and Highland Avenue. It will now be called Marsh Drive; signs have been changed.

This change will not affect any significant building addresses. However, those visiting the area or making deliveries have been confused by the way Walnut Street used to change directions that defy normal street patterns. The new name essentially extends the existing Marsh Lane going west along the same alignment, but distinguishes between the part that is for pedestrians/bikes and the part that is a typical roadway for motor vehicles. The name change also reflects the recent reconstruction of the sweeping curve where the north/south portion of Walnut Street once became the east/west portion. That segment is now a proper intersection designed to improve pedestrian safety at the request of UWPD and many who use Lot 60.