In a recent government meeting, officials discussed several infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the community. A key focus was the construction of a protective wall on Oakmont and Oak Cliff, designed with children's safety in mind. The wall will be complemented by a new crosswalk, ensuring safer passage for students.
City representatives highlighted the ongoing construction on 300 South, which is expected to open soon, and the upcoming work on 500 West. The discussions included the decision to use concrete instead of asphalt for certain bike lanes, citing maintenance concerns and the need for durability. Officials noted that the new design would facilitate safer bike passage and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
The meeting also addressed the implementation of delineators on Cougar Boulevard to clarify lane usage and prevent illegal parking near crosswalks. These measures aim to protect pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren, from distracted drivers. The council emphasized the importance of these safety features, with one member noting that the concrete wall design would significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle collision.
Additionally, the council explored the possibility of closing certain streets to vehicular traffic to create more pedestrian-friendly environments, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in Salt Lake City. The idea is to experiment with temporary closures to assess their impact on community engagement and safety.
Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving infrastructure for non-motorized users, with plans for further enhancements to the trail systems and bike lanes in collaboration with neighboring communities.