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Council discusses sidewalks, bus shelters and possible road/stair connection to reduce traffic
Summary
Council and staff discussed completing a pedestrian loop with sidewalks on Spring Street and School Street, installing bus shelters at key stops (plexiglass with lighting and benches), and longer-term ideas to add a stairway/road or traffic signal to improve access and safety near a quarry and railroad crossing.
City of Nelson — During the Feb. 20 work session, council members and staff discussed completing sidewalk connections, adding bus shelters at school pickup points and exploring longer-term roadway/stairway changes near railroad crossings to slow traffic and improve emergency access.
Sidewalks and loop: Staff and councilors talked about extending sidewalks to complete a loop that would include Spring Street, School Street, Dogwood and Woodridge so pedestrians can circulate safely between neighborhoods and the proposed Hidden Street Park. Council members emphasized tying sidewalk work to the park project so phases would create contiguous pedestrian access.
Bus shelters: Staff described shelter designs consisting of a metal canopy, plexiglass sides, lighting and a bench, and recommended the council pilot a shelter at City Hall or another municipal location to avoid private-property complications. The meeting noted concerns about siting shelters where stops are on private property and suggested starting where the city controls the right-of-way.
Railroad crossing, stairway and traffic control: Participants raised a larger infrastructure concept to improve traffic flow and safety near a quarry and railroad crossing. The idea discussed included a stairway/road down to State Route 5 and the possibility of joint work with the county and nearby property owners to add a traffic signal; staff said such projects would require coordination with the railroad and county and could be a multi-party effort that may attract partner contributions.
Why it matters: Completing sidewalks and adding shelters would improve pedestrian safety for students and other residents who wait for buses. The larger access project could reduce traffic conflicts and benefit emergency responders, but staff cautioned the concept would need intergovernmental coordination and permits, especially where railroad crossings are involved.
Next steps: Staff will identify candidate bus-shelter locations under city control and provide options and cost estimates; sidewalk routing will be reviewed in tandem with the park design and capital plan.
