Residents advocate for safer crosswalks on Brookside Drive in community meeting

Concerns over pedestrian safety took center stage at the Springville City Council meeting on August 17, as residents voiced urgent calls for improvements to a heavily trafficked crosswalk on Brookside Drive. Parents in the neighborhood expressed their fears about speeding vehicles and inadequate signage, particularly as children prepare to return to school.

Megan Hartman, a local resident, highlighted the dangers faced by families living near the crosswalk that connects to Brookside Elementary and Kolob Park. "Drivers do not pay attention to the speed limit, let alone the crosswalk," she stated, recounting multiple incidents of near misses and collisions. Hartman, along with other parents, urged the council to consider solutions such as raised crosswalks and radar signs to alert drivers of their speed.

The discussion revealed a shared sentiment among residents that the current measures are insufficient. Lindsey Moss proposed relocating the crosswalk to a safer intersection with traffic lights, while Travis Farnsworth emphasized the need for better street design to slow down traffic. "This is a neighborhood, not a main drive road," he asserted, advocating for traffic calming measures.

Carrie Huffman echoed these concerns, recalling a tragic incident involving a child hit by a car in a nearby area. "We shouldn't wait for disaster to strike before we enforce safer streets," she urged, calling for proactive measures to protect children.

As the meeting progressed, residents presented various ideas, including improved signage and concrete structures to narrow the street, which could help force drivers to slow down. Judith Newby, another concerned parent, noted the excessive distance of the current crosswalk, which adds to the danger for pedestrians.

The council acknowledged the residents' concerns and the need for a comprehensive approach to enhance safety in the area. With school starting soon, the urgency for action is palpable, as families hope for swift solutions to ensure their children's safety while crossing the busy street.