Consultants propose 'pinch points' and bike/ped upgrades for Rio Grande Boulevard to reduce speeding and protect trail users

Consultants presented a traffic‑calming study for Rio Grande Boulevard on July 21 that recommended a menu of engineering treatments to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians while reducing speeding and cut‑through traffic.

Parametrix consultants told trustees that weekday counts averaged roughly 3,800–4,500 vehicles, weekend counts fell to ~2,500 and bicycle activity ranged from about 70 riders per weekday to roughly 140 on weekends. The firm documented 42 crashes across the village corridor over five years, including several involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Speed data showed the 85th‑percentile speed at about 33 mph where the limit is posted at 25 mph, and consultants said the corridor meets commonly used thresholds for speed‑related interventions.

Recommended strategies include visual and physical 'pinch points' (landscape medians or chicanes) near the North Village entrance and in front of Village Hall, protected or buffered bike lanes, high‑visibility pavement markings, pedestrian hybrid beacons (RRFBs) at key crossings and a possible mini‑roundabout at the Buffalo Curve to improve sight distance. The study highlights three priority areas: the northern village entrance, the Buffalo Curve, and the Village Hall/Hartnett Park area.

Trustees emphasized protecting Rio Grande’s rural and agricultural character while pursuing calming measures. Several trustees asked the consultants for alternatives that preserve that character (trees, softer materials, wood fencing) and to avoid over‑urbanizing the corridor. Consultants noted that federal funding tied to other projects may require sidewalks in some segments, limiting some rural design choices.

Next steps: consultants will refine recommendations with trustees and staff to balance safety gains with community aesthetics and will return with a more detailed implementation plan and cost estimates.