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Traffic studies flag speeding and crashes; neighborhood asks for school‑crossing study
Summary
City traffic monitors reported seven crashes on 100 North (2021–2023) and 85th‑percentile speeds of 32–34 mph in 25‑mph zones; residents requested a traffic study at 700 West & 300 South, a school crossing with reported near misses. Public Works has proposed mitigation measures and is pursuing funding.
City staff presented traffic‑study findings and neighbors requested an additional safety study at a school crossing.
Rachel Breen reviewed two recent traffic studies. On 100 North (500 West–900 West) staff recorded seven crashes between 2021 and 2023 and 85th‑percentile speeds of 32–34 mph in 25‑mph zones at 700 West and 800 West; some measured vehicles traveled in the 40–50 mph range. Breen said corrected 2023 calculations show higher recent speeds and surprising volume increases after Dixon Middle School closed — a 37% traffic increase at 700 West and a 15% increase at 800 West — and asked neighborhood members for local insights.
On 100 South at 1000 West staff identified two daytime crashes and limited sight lines because of consistent street parking. To address that site the city added a 25‑mph sign, placed no‑parking signs at corners, replaced yield signs with stop signs and notified police and parking enforcement for compliance.
Robin Woodbury, a Franklin Elementary parent, requested a traffic study at 700 West & 300 South — a crossing where parents reported multiple close calls. Board members said Public Works and the CDBG board have proposed bulb‑outs for some nearby intersections and that the requested study can count as one of District 5’s five annual traffic‑study allotments, subject to council approval and funding availability.
What’s next: Staff provided contact info for the traffic manager and encouraged residents to supply observations that could explain unexpected volume increases. The neighborhood agreed to advance the 700W/300S request; the study’s timing depends on the district’s traffic‑study allotment and any external funding approvals.
"When he does these studies, the purpose ... is he has to meet certain thresholds dictated by the state in order to do stop signs, bulb outs," Breen explained, noting some measures require meeting state warrants.
