Council approves cost share for Heritage Boulevard pedestrian island and flashing beacon

Isanti — After several questions about cost and effectiveness, the Isanti City Council approved including a pedestrian refuge and rapid-flashing beacon (RFBB) in a county road project on Heritage Boulevard and agreed to a roughly $45,000 city cost share.

City staff described a design that shortens a 93-foot crossing and adds a center refuge plus solar rapid flashing beacons; earlier city estimates had placed the city share at about $51,500 in 2021 but updated plans put it near $45,000. Council members debated whether beacons or cobra-style street lighting would better serve safety goals and whether solar panels or buried wired power would be more reliable long term.

Council Member Lundin argued in favor of the beacon and the cost, saying safety is worth the investment: “I don’t think you can put a price tag on somebody getting injured,” Lundin said, urging support for measures that will protect pedestrians and schoolchildren.

Some council members questioned whether a constant flashing device loses effectiveness where it becomes a background signal; staff noted newer push-button RFBB installations flash only when activated and that the county has included the design in its bid package. With a 3-1 vote the council authorized inclusion in the county project and the city’s cost share, and staff will follow up with the county on wiring and beacon power options.