Committee weighs bike/ped design fixes, flex posts and federal limits on decorative pavement markings

Committee members reviewed several ongoing and proposed bike‑and‑pedestrian projects and constraints, including finishing details on the Green Line trail, potential pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks, and pavement‑marking rules from the Federal Highway Administration.

Trail terminus and pedestrian bridge: members discussed moving the bike facility terminus closer to Iwo Jima to ease merges, adding a curb cut, and possibly converting the intersection to a four‑way stop. A staff participant said the city is studying a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks that would connect the trail more directly and could eliminate awkward trail gaps. "If we can get that, it would probably be at Iwo Jima," a committee member said.

RRFB and curb cuts: staff noted a developer‑funded RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) is planned at the Metro building on Greenkill; the developer would construct it and the city would accept ownership at no cost. Committee members asked about timing and whether RRFBs or all‑way stops would better address pedestrian safety at particular locations.

Pavement markings and MUTCD constraints: a committee member who described receiving a recent USDOT communication said federal guidance emphasizes adherence to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and discourages markings outside MUTCD standards. "There is, just yesterday, I received a directive from the USDOT regarding, pavement markings, and that they were to strictly follow the manual on uniform traffic control devices," the member said, referencing the agency review and legal concerns about nonstandard colors and messages.

Flex posts and maintenance: members discussed using flexible posts to protect curve buildouts and channelize traffic. Staff described durability problems with inexpensive flex posts and said more rigid bollards or removable posts have been rejected by DPW because of maintenance burdens, snow removal and replacement costs.

Why it matters: the items discussed affect how people access and feel safe using the city's trail and sidewalks. Committee members emphasized predictable, connected facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and noted constraints from federal guidance, maintenance capacity and developer timelines.

Next steps: staff will compile a list of proposed curb‑ramps, sidewalk repairs and potential trail fixes; follow‑up items include schedule and ownership details for the RRFB, further study of a pedestrian bridge, and evaluation of durable physical protection that balances maintenance needs and snow removal.