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Council directs Main Street safety upgrades: crossing island and flashing beacons to improve school routes
Summary
Council provided guidance to proceed with Main Street Option 3—adding a crossing island, beacons on Main Street and moving the Geyser Way crosswalk toward Vodie's Court—to improve pedestrian safety on the school route.
The Smithsburg Town Council gave staff direction to proceed with a Main Street safety package focused on the school route, endorsing a pedestrian crossing island, rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons and moving the Geyser Way crosswalk toward Vodie’s Court.
Consultant (Speaker 1) presented three alternatives for the corridor between the schools and nearby subdivisions, recommending Option 3 for the better pedestrian connectivity and gap‑by‑gap crossing enabled by a median island. Councilors raised visibility concerns for a crosswalk located immediately at the base of the hill; several members supported moving the crossing back toward Vodie’s Court so beacons would be visible to approaching drivers.
Speaker 6 moved that council provide guidance to proceed with Option 3 including a flashing beacon on Main Street and repositioning the Geyser Way crosswalk to the midpoint at Vodie’s Court, with a beacon there as well; Speaker 3 seconded and the motion carried. The consultant said required sight‑distance for signage would be in the order of 150–200 feet depending on posted speed and approach geometry.
Councilors asked staff to include the crosswalk and beacon locations in plans for ADA connections and to coordinate park and sidewalk connections so students can use a continuous, accessible route to school. Staff will include design details and cost estimates in the capital improvement plan.
