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Commission authorizes staff to pursue enhanced crossing at Museum Place and Dousman; rapid‑flashing beacon, HAWK and other options discussed
Summary
Alders requested improvements for the heavily used crosswalk at Museum Place and Dousman Street; the commission authorized staff to design and pursue funding for a solution, noting railroad setbacks and an estimated $50,000 pole cost for an RFB.
The Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission authorized staff to pursue an enhanced pedestrian crossing at Museum Place and Dousman Street after Alder Johnson (District 9) and Alder Proffitt (District 7) described frequent pedestrian activity and near‑misses at the existing, minimally marked crosswalk.
Alder Johnson said the improvements tie to planned Leicht Park upgrades and that the existing crossing “doesn't view like a crosswalk” and sits on a bridge with a blind crest where drivers often treat the roadway like a highway. He noted a recent rescue of a child in the area and said the group is seeking a rapid‑flashing beacon (RFB) or other treatments to make the crossing more visible. “Those costs are 50 ks,” Johnson said, referring to the approximate cost to install two poles and bases.
Staff explained constraints: the railroad has told the city it will not allow a device within 200 feet of the track and that some signal types (for example certain RFBs) cannot be preempted to avoid vehicles queuing over tracks. Staff proposed alternatives including a Continental crosswalk, a HAWK signal (a pedestrian-activated signal with red beacons), or redesigning the nearby island to provide a pedestrian refuge; they also noted the option of overhead poles but cautioned about design continuity downtown.
Commissioners asked staff to seek traffic‑commission authorization and work with the mayor’s office and finance staff to identify funding (community development block grant was suggested as a possible source). One commissioner noted that if the railroad will not allow a device at the desired location, a HAWK further back or redesign of the crossing could be used; staff said the commission should approve the concept and staff would return with final design and funding.
A motion to authorize staff to enhance the pedestrian crossing and identify funding sources was made from staff's suggested language, seconded and approved by voice vote.
