Committee asks staff to include raised, concrete intersections in the RFP after safety and life‑cycle review

City engineers presented evidence that well‑designed raised intersections and concrete crossings can reduce vehicle speeds, improve crosswalk usability and provide a durable surface with a longer service life than asphalt. The presentation noted potential trade‑offs: raised intersections can slow emergency vehicles briefly (engineer cited 2–6 seconds per raised intersection in studies), require more upfront cost and could encourage some drivers to seek alternate routes.

The committee discussed life‑cycle costs and materials. Engineers said asphalt intersections typically need heavier maintenance (with replacement cycles discussed at roughly 15 years) while 8‑inch concrete panels could last decades; a presenter estimated replacement of an asphalt intersection in current conditions at about $25,000 in future maintenance cycles and noted an early project estimate figure related to intersection work.

After discussion about emergency‑service response and the number of raised intersections appropriate for the River Street stretch (engineers recommended limiting the count and obtaining emergency‑services input), the committee moved and approved direction to staff to include raised, concrete intersections in the RFP and design consideration set.