Morton 709 board approves flashing-beacon crosswalks at school sites

The Morton Community Unit School District 709 Board of Education approved bids for school-crossing improvements that include rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) at district locations. The administrative presenter told the board the village already approved the work and the board's vote was the remaining local approval; the presenter said four crosswalks were in the queue and that one crossing will be automated so a motorist-activated button triggers strobe lights. During the motion and roll call the board approved the project with unanimous support. The presenter identified locations discussed earlier in the meeting as Grundy, Lenny Brown and Lincoln; earlier administration comments referenced two crosswalks at Lincoln and one automated crossing at Grundy. A board member asked that documents refer to the devices as "rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB)" to make the acronym clear. Ending: The board's action lets the district and village proceed with installation pending vendor scheduling and shipment timelines described by the administration.