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Engineers outline $530,000 option for traffic signal at 40th & Madison to improve pedestrian safety
Summary
City engineers presented options for improving safety at 40th & Madison, favoring a full traffic signal over a HAWK beacon and estimating about $530,000 including right-of-way acquisition, design, pedestrian ramps and contingencies.
City engineers briefed the council on two pedestrian-safety options at the 40th & Madison intersection and recommended proceeding with a traffic signal rather than a HAWK beacon. Staff said the signal would provide more consistent, controllable crossings and allow Madison to reopen northbound.
“The number we're looking at now is slightly higher. 5 30 is the number we've come up with,” the city engineer said, explaining that the estimate includes right-of-way acquisition, signal design, replacement of pedestrian ramps and a healthy contingency because of unknown utility issues such as an existing large power pole that may require relocation.
Engineers described constraints at commercial corners (a salon overhang and a retaining wall) that affect pole placement and noted the likely need to acquire small triangular parcels (roughly 15-by-15 feet) for double-masted signal poles and associated communications cabinets. Staff said acquisition work and preliminary design should start soon to avoid delays in delivery, and council gave staff a directional nod to begin right-of-way preparations and design work so construction could be scheduled for next year.
Council also discussed operational concerns including sensor/push-button triggering, traffic impacts on 40th Street and sequencing with other signals; staff committed to hiring a traffic engineer to finalize sequencing and to coordinate with regional signal timing.
