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Council asks staff to continue talks with Southwestern Adventist University and TxDOT on crosswalk safety at FM 2280
Summary
Following resident requests and staff outreach, the council asked the city manager to continue communications with Southwestern Adventist University and Texas Department of Transportation about pedestrian-safety improvements at the FM 2280 crossing near the university and park.
Keene City Council asked the city manager to continue discussions with Southwestern Adventist University and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) about pedestrian-safety measures at the FM 2280 (Old Betsy Road) crossing near the university gym and Calicut Park.
City staff relayed that TxDOT’s traffic-engineering methodology often bases posted speed on measured traffic characteristics (the 85th-percentile speed), and the agency warned a traffic study could lead to a higher posted speed unless pedestrian crash history or other conditions justify a reduction. The TxDOT engineer told staff that a push-button signal or a full signal is possible but requires data, budget consideration and potential inclusion in TxDOT work planning.
City Manager Jonathan Seitz said TxDOT asked for supporting data such as event counts and peak pedestrian volumes from the university; he said the university indicated there might be donor interest to help fund a higher-quality crossing. Seitz recommended staff coordinate with the university and TxDOT to gather usage data and pursue funding options. Councilmembers agreed by consensus that staff should continue communications with Southwestern Adventist University (referred to in the transcript in varying spellings) and TxDOT and report back to the council.
No formal vote was required; the city manager will continue outreach and report findings and any funding commitments when projects are sufficiently developed for council review.
