City plans curb bump-outs and a pedestrian beacon at two crosswalks; construction bids to go out this fall

Engineering staff updated the infrastructure committee on two pedestrian-safety projects that will add curb bump-outs at Union and 13th streets and at Third and Buck streets. The projects are funded in the FY25 infrastructure budget under the pedestrian-intersection improvements line.

City engineer Jeff Davis (speaking for engineering) described curb bump-outs as a traffic-calming measure that narrows the roadway at crosswalks, shortens crossing distance for pedestrians and reduces turning conflicts. “Curb bump-outs… make the crosswalk more apparent. It narrows the crosswalk so it's less time the pedestrians on the roadway,” Davis said.

Union and 13th will also receive a flashing beacon because of the high traffic volumes and the route’s connection to a school. Third and Buck — a wide crossing near the Cross Insurance Center — will be designed to accommodate future upgrades such as a rapid-flash beacon if monitoring shows a warrant. Engineering said the two projects will be combined into one request for bids; staff expects to solicit bids and select a contractor this fall with construction before winter weather.

Committee members raised concerns about the condition of existing painted crosswalks and urged more aggressive maintenance; engineers acknowledged the concern and said repainting and radar speed monitoring remain part of the program. The meeting recorded no change in project scope or budget; staff treated the presentation as an update and will return with bid documents and construction timelines.