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Estacada committee details Safe Routes walk audit, urges flashing crosswalks and ADA fixes
Summary
Committee members presented findings from a recent Safe Routes to School walk audit, highlighting obstructed crossings, missing flashing push-button lights, ADA ramp problems and bus noncompliance; members urged the council to prioritize push-button flashing lights and sidewalk repairs near schools.
Estacada’s Traffic and Public Safety Committee reviewed results of a Safe Routes to School walk audit on Tuesday, pressing the city to add flashing push-button crosswalk lights, repair sidewalks and address sight-line obstructions that endanger students and wheelchair users.
The walk audit, conducted last week with volunteers, police and school-district staff, cataloged dozens of locations needing attention. “We have crosswalk signs, and there’s safety patrol people out there,” a committee member said, adding the audit team recorded video “of the kids coming across” in blind spots created by parked cars. Presenters recommended push-button flashing lights at several crossings, including 3rd & Main and 6th & Main, where parked vehicles and narrow sidewalks reduce visibility.
The police chief, who joined the walk audit, described the exercise as “eye opening” and said it revealed problems that can be missed from a vehicle. Committee members highlighted specific hazards: blocked sidewalks at pick-up areas, trip hazards at curbs, and ADA ramps that do not allow reliable wheelchair passage. One presenter noted an ADA ramp and sidewalk configuration near Wade Creek apartments that leaves no safe crosswalk link to a nearby school destination.
Members also raised enforcement and driver behavior. The chief and committee noted school buses in at least one location did not stop before a white line as expected; the chief asked the public to report observed violations so staff can follow up. A resident who attended public comment said temporary signs at an intersection (Northeast Clayton Drive and Lawrence Road) were repeatedly stolen and suggested a more permanent fix such as a speed hump or rumble strips.
Committee discussion emphasized practical fixes over lengthy studies. Members proposed a short list of near-term steps for referral to the city council: install push-button flashing lights at priority crossings, trim foliage blocking sight lines, repair or reconfigure ADA ramp approaches and assess targeted enforcement or signage for bus and parent drop-off areas.
The committee did not adopt a formal ordinance at the meeting; members said they will prepare recommended locations and cost estimates for council consideration and follow up with the PIO and public works about signage, lighting and maintenance.
