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Charlottesville staff report progress on Safe Routes to School, set up photo-enforcement and flashing lights
Summary
City transportation staff told the Bike-Ped Advisory Committee that crews completed 121 Safe Routes work orders, paused 18 for curb-cut or alignment issues, and are preparing new flashing school-zone lights and photo-enforcement cameras as part of school-safety efforts.
Ben Chambers, the city’s transportation planning manager, told the Charlottesville Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee that work under the Safe Routes to School program has advanced substantially and that the city is preparing new enforcement and visibility measures ahead of the school year. "We passed with flying colors," Chambers said of a recent state review of the program, and he added that procurement for automated photo enforcement is complete and installers are scheduling setup and calibration.
Chambers said public-works crews have completed 121 of the Safe Routes projects the committee identified, 18 work orders were paused because curb cuts or alignments were missing or needed revision, and about 30 projects remain to be delivered. He said staff is tracking eligible CARES and ARPA funds and wants to identify projects before the federal-program deadlines so the city may spend allocated money through 2026.
The city also obtained a quote to replace school-zone flashing lights that rely on older radios and inconsistent schedules; Chambers said new equipment should be installed this fall to improve responsiveness and synchronization across school zones. On automated enforcement, Chambers said, "Our procurement for photo enforcement is done. My understanding is we are now scheduling setup and calibration," and added crews must test cameras for accurate speed readings and license-plate capture before enforcement begins.
Committee members asked how the city will prioritize remaining sidewalk and crossing work and whether staff will form a Safe Routes subcommittee to guide decisions. Chambers said he is seeking volunteers and expects a subcommittee to advise on both infrastructure and programming, such as a menu of services the city can offer schools. He also urged members to review the program’s public online list of proposed projects and to help identify projects that could be funded by expiring federal sources.
Chambers closed by noting the program’s recent state review and urging continued BPAC engagement as staff refines lists and timelines for construction, equipment installation and community outreach. The committee did not take a formal vote; members asked staff to return with more detailed timelines and to recruit a Safe Routes subcommittee at a future meeting.
