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Baldwin City Council approves plans to advertise US 56 pedestrian-crossing and sidewalk project
Summary
The Baldwin City Council voted to advertise and bid a US 56 pedestrian-crossing and sidewalk improvement project that includes a marked crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacon; the project is estimated at about $418,000 with roughly $282,000 expected from KDOT.
The Baldwin City Council voted to advertise and bid a pedestrian-crossing and sidewalk project on U.S. Highway 56 that council and city consultants said will improve safety and accessibility at key crossings.
Jason Hoskinson, an engineer with BG Consultants, told the council the project would upgrade the crossing at 8th Street and add a sidewalk on the north side of US 56 running toward Hyde Street to connect with a recently built Heritage neighborhood sidewalk. "The project generally includes upgrade of the 8th Street crossing of the highway ... improving the accessibility in the intersection itself," Hoskinson said.
Hoskinson said the project was funded in 2024 through the Kansas Department of Transportation cost-share program and estimated the total project cost at "about 418,000," with KDOT contributing about $282,000. He told the council construction bid averages were currently around $350,000–$355,000 and that including contracted construction engineering the city was budgeting about $390,000 for the construction phase. He cautioned the council that reimbursement from KDOT occurs after the city fronts the cost and completes the project.
The plans call for a 5-foot sidewalk where shown on the plans and a marked crosswalk at Santa Fe Drive with a pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) on both approaches to increase driver awareness. As Hoskinson described the device, "It will also have, a pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon." He added the device was recommended by KDOT for this location.
Council Member Julie moved to approve the plans and authorize staff to advertise for bids; Speaker 4 seconded the motion. The council voted to approve the motion. The council directed staff to advertise the project and return with bids (Hoskinson said bids would likely be brought back in December, with construction expected in late winter or early spring and lasting roughly two months, weather permitting).
The council heard no public comment on the item before the vote.
Next steps: staff will advertise the project for bid and report bid results to the council for award and contract authorization.
