Cascade council agrees to move speed-limit signs, study lower school-zone speed near Cascade Elementary

The Cascade City Council on Nov. 10 directed staff to relocate school-zone signage near Cascade Elementary, add higher-visibility crossing signs and evaluate lower speeds to improve pedestrian safety after the council discussed moving the main crosswalk to Harrison Street.

City staff explained the recommended plan: move the existing crosswalk to Harrison, install S1-1 pedestrian signs or solar-powered flashing beacons where appropriate, and extend a reduced speed zone eastward toward the Casey’s lot so approaching drivers have more distance to slow. Councilors discussed options for a school-zone speed of 15, 20 or 25 mph; several members favored trying a 25 mph extension first and reducing it if the trial does not sufficiently slow traffic.

Councilors and staff reviewed crossing-guard patterns, pickup/drop-off flows and sight-line issues. Staff noted there has been no reported incident since the crossing was moved and that crossing guards have been trained on sign use and times. The council approved the motion to move the speed-limit signs and pursue the signage upgrades by unanimous vote.

Council members also discussed community education measures (flyers or social-media posts for parents and drivers) to reinforce crosswalk yielding rules. Staff will work with the engineering consultant (MSA, as referenced in the meeting) to identify sign locations and ensure the placement complies with statutory spacing requirements (a speed-limit sign must be a minimum distance from a crosswalk, as discussed during the meeting).