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Safe Routes issues flagged for James and Westfield; county, ODOT and rail lines complicate fixes
Summary
City councilors reviewed a 2016 Safe Routes to School report and identified key crossing gaps near Robert Frost Elementary and on James Street; county roads, Union Pacific ownership of a rail spur, and grant eligibility constraints were cited.
Councilor Jason Frylinger told the joint meeting the city had the 2016 Safe Routes to School report and that 90% of the recommended work remained undone. Councilors and school staff raised specific concerns about student crossings at James Street, Westfield and the intersection where railroad tracks complicate improvements.
City staff warned that some of the hazardous intersections are on county roads and that Marion County would need to participate. "They seem very willing to be flexible as long as we pay for it," a councilor said. County and ODOT funding eligibility and the Safe Routes income threshold were discussed; staff said Silverton is likely not eligible for Safe Routes funds because of community income measures, and that sidewalk and crossing projects may require local design funds to qualify for grants.
Railroad ownership and regulatory hurdles were described as a major impediment. Staff said Union Pacific still holds rights to a line even if it is unused, and that engineering and licensing costs to alter a crossing can be substantial; staff cited a $50,000 upfront engineering request from the railroad simply to engage about design, and said full crossing upgrades can cost hundreds of thousands to millions.
Officials noted a recent local pedestrian strike in front of Robert Frost Elementary as evidence that the risks are real. The city said it is conducting a pedestrian safety audit and working with Marion County and ODOT on preliminary designs to optimize grant readiness. Both city and district officials expressed interest in pursuing grant applications but said they may need to invest in design work first.
