East District approves traffic study request for Spring Creek Elementary crosswalks

Ashley Reebach, president of Spring Creek Elementary’s school community council, asked the East District board to allocate one of its five annual traffic studies to evaluate pedestrian crossings, signage, flashing lights and the possible need for a crossing guard near Spring Creek Elementary.

“There are no crosswalks around the school. There's no crossing guard. There are no flashing lights,” Reebach told the meeting, saying about 400 students attend the school and adding that a proposed 110-home development will increase pedestrian and vehicle interactions near the school entrance.

City staff explained that a traffic study is required before the city can consider physical mitigations such as a crossing guard or flashing beacons; the traffic unit looks at pedestrian counts, bike use and speed data and typically samples at times of year when walking rates reflect normal usage. Residents asked whether a study can anticipate a proposed development; staff answered it evaluates existing conditions and that mitigation can be revisited once the development is occupied.

A board member, Jen, moved to recommend the traffic study and another board member seconded; the board approved the request by raised hands with no nays called during the meeting. The study will be scheduled by city traffic staff and is a prerequisite for further steps such as installing signs, beacons or a crossing guard.

Council and staff urged continued community reporting of unsafe conditions while the study is scheduled.