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Council hears plans for Ruotan (Ruritan) Street sidewalk and circulation changes
Summary
Design consultant presented a proposed sidewalk alignment and partial conversion to one‑way vehicle circulation on sections of Ruotan Street, with a phased approach to parking, setback landscaping and improved pedestrian connections to Rhode Island Avenue and the trolley trail.
The city council received a presentation on designs for pedestrian improvements on Ruotan (sometimes referenced as Ruritan) Street, a project that would add new sidewalk, adjust vehicle circulation to a combination of one‑way and limited two‑way sections, and improve pedestrian connections to Rhode Island Avenue and the trolley trail.
Why it matters: residents and council members identified safety and cut‑through traffic as primary concerns; the design aims to reduce vehicle‑pedestrian conflicts, retain parking on the south side of the street, and minimize impervious area while accommodating existing driveways.
What was presented: Brian Morgan of Safe Studios (project designer) walked council through an aerial alignment showing the proposed sidewalk extending east from Rhode Island Avenue to 40 Ninth/40 Eighth Avenue. The plan calls for primarily one‑way vehicular flow east‑to‑west, with a short two‑way segment near a jog at 40 Ninth to preserve access. The sidewalk would be set back from the curb with a narrow grass strip and would tie into the rear Lidl exit and the trolley trail crosswalk at Rhode Island. Designers proposed minimizing new crosswalks and driveway conflicts and stepping the sidewalk into the current roadway to remain within city right‑of‑way.
Discussion and concerns: District council members and residents pressed for consideration of converting more of the street to one‑way to address speeding and stop‑sign compliance. Councilmember Doug Reister and Councilmember Whitney cited recurring hazardous driver behavior at a two‑way segment and asked whether full conversion to one‑way could be revisited. Staff and the consultant said the design team will continue listening to community concerns and that the proposed mix of one‑ and two‑way sections reflects tradeoffs including school circulation and existing access needs.
Next steps: the design team and staff will present the plan to the relevant neighborhood civic association (BDC) for additional comments and will revise alignment and circulation options as needed before returning to the council for further action.
