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UDOT starts Morgan crosswalk upgrades near schools; council raises safety questions for young pedestrians
Summary
UDOT has started two crosswalk upgrades in Morgan — an overhead school crossing at Young Street and a flashing crosswalk by NEBCO — and the council discussed changes to signage, anticipated speed limits, and concerns about younger students understanding the new systems.
Staff updated council that construction for a UDOT crosswalk project began and will include two enhancements: an overhead signal at Young Street (the primary school crossing with a crossing guard) and a flashing crosswalk sign near NEBCO.
"So over here on Yonge Street, it'll have an overhead. And then by Nabco, it'll have a flashing crosswalk sign," a staff member said, describing the two different treatments planned for nearby crossing locations.
Council discussed the operational differences: the overhead treatment is meant for the main school crossing (where a crossing guard currently operates), while the flashing sign is a secondary high‑visibility option for a nearby crossing. Staff noted the school‑zone signage will be removed and the posted speed there will revert from 20 to 30 mph except when the crossing is activated.
Several council members expressed concern about whether younger children will recognize and respond to the new flashing signals. "I mean, I'm concerned that just a young person, maybe a 8 or 9 year old that wouldn't completely understand the use of the sign... and cars going 30 miles an hour," one member said.
Staff said crossing guards will remain in place and the devices are intended as enhancements that will alert motorists when pedestrians are present; final operational details will be coordinated with the school district and county traffic partners.
