Council reviews Safe Routes grant to redo Elm-Taylor crosswalks, asks about curb painting schedule

Councilors discussed a grant-funded Safe Routes to School project that will replace four crosswalks at Elm and Taylor with high-visibility, "fat European" style markings and add therapeutic thermoplastic and delineators to square off a wide intersection and slow turning traffic. A counselor said the redesign aims to eliminate a quick S-curve at a corner by making turns more square so drivers must slow and signal before turning.

Councilors also asked public works about curb-painting and crosswalk maintenance; staff said most yellow curves are repainted annually, crosswalks are refreshed with thermal plastic when possible, and work is ongoing to extend painted curves identified as problem areas. Council indicated the project involved consultation with the school district and principal and that the Safe Routes grant work would be coordinated with those partners.