Meridian staff advance plan for dual‑stage pedestrian crossing on Locust Grove near Woodbridge

Meridian staff on Dec. 2 presented a scoping plan for a two‑stage pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHP) on Locust Grove between Water Tower and Woodbridge to improve pedestrian safety near recreational and school facilities. Michelle Hill, the staff presenter, said Ada County Highway District (ACHD) would prepare plans and could complete design in late spring, with construction possible next summer if the commission approves a concept quickly. "The cost estimate for doing a z type dual stage crossing like this is around 300,000," Hill told commissioners.

The proposal follows city council allocation of $500,000 in the fiscal 2025 budget to advance projects from the MIPS prioritization list; staff said the Locust Grove project was one candidate selected for further scoping. Hill said ACHD recommended a dual‑stage crossing because it allows pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time and provides a refuge for users who may need a pause between crossing phases.

Commissioners pressed staff on site selection and traffic impacts. Commissioner Ballard and others asked whether mid‑block islands could worsen left‑turn queuing for vehicles entering Woodbridge, and whether locating the device north of Water Tower would avoid conflicts with left‑turn movements. John Wasson of ACHD cautioned that placing a refuge island immediately north of Water Tower could conflict with left‑turn storage and the center turn lane, potentially creating new operational issues.

Commissioner Lewis noted recent annexation near the west side of Locust Grove for a future ISU medical campus and asked whether the crossing could be sited to serve that campus. Hill said ACHD favored the location north of Woodbridge because of the nearby signal at Central but agreed to examine entitlements and site visits as design proceeds.

Local context shaped the discussion: staff and commissioners noted multiple pedestrian generators within a mile — Danick gymnastics, Rebound School and several other schools — and a nearby shopping district that draws foot traffic. A gymnastics coach who spoke during the meeting said parents and students currently cross Locust Grove routinely and expressed concern about queuing when classes let out.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the concept at the meeting. Staff said they will present the design concept to council in a work session and will forward commissioner feedback to ACHD. Next steps include site visits, a refined design that addresses left‑turn stacking and queuing, and confirmation of funding and schedule. If the commission and ACHD proceed quickly, Hill said she anticipates progressing to bid and construction phases in the following year.