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Public works presents pedestrian‑mobility toolbox and crosswalk upgrades; mid‑block crossings and lighting planned
Summary
Public Works reviewed a ‘pedestrian mobility toolbox’ and proposed upgrades including rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs), improved pavement markings, new signage that directs drivers to stop for pedestrians, and several mid‑block crossing projects tied to roadway improvement projects.
Public Works staff presented a pedestrian‑mobility toolbox and a slate of near‑term crossing improvements, and described a master transportation plan that will recommend multimodal design treatments and priorities.
Becky Divini, Director of Public Works and Engineering, described the toolbox of countermeasures — sidewalks, marked crosswalks, curb ramps, curb extensions, lighting, shared‑use paths, RRFBs and pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) — and said those tools will be matched to design speed, location and community needs in a forthcoming master transportation plan.
Divini highlighted three specific near‑term improvements: adding RRFBs and new “Stop for Pedestrians” signage, upgraded pavement markings and stop bars at Proton Road and Redding Trail; an RRFB, solar lighting and improved ramps at a mid‑block crossing at Sojourn and Westgrove Drive; and RRFB upgrades and improved median ramps at Beltway Drive near Addison Athletic Club to improve access to the park. Staff said Senate Bill 1055 changed statutory language from “yield to pedestrians” to “stop for pedestrians”; projects will reflect the new wording.
Another work in progress is a proposed mid‑block crossing near LaGrange tied to the Beltway Drive bike‑lane and greenscape project; staff described tentative pedestrian connections from nearby residential developments and a plan to extend sidewalks and add crossings to connect to Redding Trail. Designs are not final and will be coordinated with the Beltway project.
Divini said the town has already begun coordination with police on heightened enforcement of newly installed crosswalk treatments and will add outreach and education, project videos and flyers as the master transportation plan advances. The master plan was kicked off in December and staff anticipate toolbox recommendations and plan completion around August; the transportation plan will feed the capital improvement plan and grant candidates.
Council members asked staff to examine sign color uniformity, consider midday and sun‑angle visibility for beacon and sign placement, ensure lighting accompanies RRFBs and to review signage/stop‑bar placement at PHBs so drivers understand expectations. Staff noted those points and said they will review designs for sight lines and sign visibility before installation.
Next steps: staff will finalize the master transportation plan and toolbox, continue public outreach and bring project designs and cost estimates through the capital improvement plan and grant application processes.
