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 safety projects.

Committee members discussed different types of traffic-calming tools (portable radar-speed signs, fixed flashing signs, speed cushions) and clarified the committee’s role is advisory: the subcommittee investigates and compiles options and evidence, then forwards recommendations to staff and the City Council for funding and implementation.

Public comments and local problems raised: Melissa Dominguez said drivers routinely exceed posted limits on South Eagle Creek Road where a recently reduced speed zone is not clearly visible; she urged more signage or sheriff enforcement. Resident Larry Guyrin described persistent bus-turning problems and narrow curvature on Lawrence Road after recent widening and drainage work; he told the committee buses sometimes must swing into the opposite lane and that the location was originally intended as emergency access only. Committee members said some of those locations are controlled by county or state agencies and so larger corrections will require outside funding and coordination.

School-safety planning: committee members reported receiving a 16-page action plan for Estacada Middle School and two elementary schools that maps “10-minute walk / 4-minute bike” routes and lists high-priority Safe Routes to School projects. Staff and members noted the state program can fund projects but typically requires a local match (committee members said the Safe Routes grants may require a 40% local match). The committee agreed to invite the school district’s operations and transportation staff to the January meeting to align priorities and to use the district’s materials to develop a phased project list for the council.

Formal action: The committee voted to recommend that the city pursue installation at Northeast Pierce and Sixth of a pedestrian crosswalk with push-button activation and solar lighting, matching the treatment at Clackamas River Elementary. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair called for aye/oppose and there were no opposing votes recorded.

Process notes and next steps: members said some improvements can be funded from city funds or developer contributions, while larger projects will require grant applications or county/state money. Staff was asked to provide maps and to coordinate with Don (city staff) and the school district on available planning documents and potential grant timelines.

Ending: committee members said they will turn the recommended crosswalk and the compiled Safe Routes materials into a prioritized list for the City Council, and they will request an update from Don and invite school district representatives to the next meeting so the committee can formalize phase 1 priorities.