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Meeker students ask board to seek traffic signal at Highway 62 and 18 intersection
Summary
Meeker High School students told the Board of Trustees that frequent pedestrian crossings and near-miss incidents at the Highway 62/18 intersection warrant requesting an ODOT traffic study and pursuing grants for a traffic signal; town attorney estimated installation could cost $200,000–$500,000.
Meeker High School students representing the Generation Citizen Project asked the Meeker Board of Trustees to back efforts to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Highway 62 and Highway 18. Students Hannah Mason, Lucee Rhodes, Wyatt Katitz and Garrett Cornstock presented survey and observational data reporting that about 44.4% of students cross the intersection, 38% reported near-accident incidents and 61.5% reported close calls with vehicles.
Town Attorney Jim Hodgens told the Board the first formal step is to request an official traffic count from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and noted that any traffic signal installation is contingent on ODOT meeting state criteria. Hodgens also advised that full project costs could range from $200,000 to $500,000 and that grant programs such as REAP are unlikely to fully fund the work alone. Students asked the Board to assist by contacting state officials, pursuing grant funding, and considering a dedicated fund for the project.
Town Administrator Jeff Wilbourn and Mayor Donna Weber acknowledged the student presentation and noted increased foot traffic near local businesses during school hours. The Board did not take formal action at the meeting but may pursue an ODOT traffic study and consider budgeting or fundraising options as next steps.
