Council approves $40,000 for Sunset Drive crosswalk and selects brick paver sample

Blowing Rock’s town council on Feb. 11 approved a $40,000 budget amendment to install a brick paver crosswalk at Sunset Drive and Maple Street (the school crosswalk) and selected a preferred brick sample to guide construction. Staff and consultant Doug Chapman presented options and costs: a bid of about $33,000 for materials and installation plus a $7,000 allowance for contingency and engineering oversight.

The council discussed color, pattern and maintenance considerations for the pavers, including reflectivity options for foggy conditions; members expressed a preference for a redder brick that will contrast with asphalt and make the crossing more visible. During the conversation councilors and staff referenced a sample they described verbally as the “top right” choice and discussed patterns (herringbone vs. running bond) and long‑term maintenance responsibilities, noting that the town would be responsible for maintenance where the crosswalk is placed on town‑maintained pavement.

Because the crosswalk serves a school route used by more than 100 students daily, staff emphasized the importance of visibility and durability; the council instructed staff to include reflective border or paint options in final plans and to coordinate final details with McGill, PubWorks and procurement prior to construction.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the selected paver product, pattern, reflective treatment and procurement documents and proceed with contract award and construction under the approved $40,000 amendment.

Quote: Shane Fox, presenting the item, summarized the request: “That bid is $33,000. We did ask add $7,000 that would cover any contingency or engineering or oversight.”