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Ennis study recommends median islands, crosswalks and phased work to calm Park Street
Summary
A Colliers traffic study for Park Street recommends targeted horizontal-deflection measures (median islands with crosswalks), improved striping and optional resurfacing. Commissioners debated a tiered approach; baseline striping and signage are estimated at about $120,000, with more complete treatments and widening raising total costs.
A traffic-calming study for Park Street presented to the Ennis City Commission recommended a layered, phased approach to slow vehicles in a corridor that serves a school, parks and a walking trail. Colliers traffic lead Nicholas Hial said speed data show the 85th‑percentile speed in some curve locations near advisory 20 mph postings is about 30 mph, and that motorists routinely exceed advisory values in pedestrian‑sensitive locations.
The study examined a roughly 1‑mile corridor from Preston to Woodlawn, noted multiple horizontal curves and pedestrian generators (Old City Lake, Rotary Park, the walking trail and Austin Elementary), and proposed four implementation options. Option 1 is striping, signage and delineators only (estimated $120,000). Option 2 adds resurfacing on the concrete section northeast of Bluebonnet Hills Drive to improve longevity of markings. Option 3 installs raised curb islands with in-road pedestrian signs and object markers; Option 4 adds about 3 feet of corner widening at Bluebonnet and Park to accommodate a right-turn lane for school pickup queuing. The full package was presented as the highest-cost “all-in” alternative.
Hial and the consultant team recommended median islands at several crossing points to provide horizontal deflection and to create pedestrian refuge spacing. They showed images of both raised and striped islands and said a common practice is to initially implement striping and delineators, then later convert proven measures to raised/curb islands after monitoring the treatment’s effectiveness.
Commission debate focused on enforcement vs. engineering, equity across the city (other neighborhoods also have speed and drop-off problems), and whether striping alone will survive on concrete panels or if resurfacing is required. The chair and several commissioners favored a phased approach: implement striping and proven countermeasures now, monitor with data (including planned radar signs), and consider permanent islands or resurfacing in a later project year. The commission did not vote; they requested cost breakdowns and recommended bringing the matter back with absent commissioners present for a full decision.
