Estacada committee recommends pedestrian crosswalk at NE Pierce & Sixth, advances school-safety planning

The Traffic and Public Safety Committee on a motion approved a recommendation that the city seek a pedestrian crosswalk — with solar lights and push-button activation similar to Clackamas River Elementary’s installation — at Northeast Pierce and Sixth streets.

The recommendation came after extended committee discussion about broader traffic-safety priorities including resident requests for additional enforcement and signage, the limits on installing speed cushions on steep slopes, and opportunities to pursue state Safe Routes to School funding for multiple crossings near Estacada schools.

Why it matters: committee members and residents said pedestrian crossings and consistent signage are urgent near schools and growing apartment complexes. The crosswalk recommendation is tangible short-term work the committee can forward to the City Council and staff as part of an emerging multi-phase list of…