With the up-and-coming school year of 2024-2025, Fremont is kick-starting actions to boost school-kid safety at the fresh-out-of-the-oven Deer Pointe Elementary School. Mini city government, our own city council plans to chew over the idea of scooting a pedestrian crosswalk lighted traffic signal – think “STOP!” – to a new spot at the intersection of 19th Street and Luther Road during their gabfest on Tuesday, August 13. Now this chess move isn’t just for kicks. To promise a safer path across traffic for students and all foot traffic in an area that’s seen more bulldozers than ant hills lately.
Proposed Relocation and Rationale
The proposal involves moving a pedestrian signal from its current location at 19th Street and Clarmar Avenue to the T-intersection at 19th Street and Luther Road. This decision stems from concerns about student safety at the intersection of 22nd Street and Elkhorn Drive, which sees heavy traffic and is near one of Fremont’s busiest intersections at 23rd Street and Luther Road. Former city councilmember Brad Yerger and other community members have been vocal about the need for improved safety measures in this area.
Key Considerations:
- High Traffic Volumes: Luther Road experiences significant traffic, and the new four-way stop at 22nd Street and Elkhorn Drive has increased traffic flow concerns near the school.
- New School and Trail: The opening of Deer Pointe Elementary and the new trail have led to more pedestrian activity at the 19th Street and Luther Road intersection, necessitating enhanced safety measures.
- Closure of Clarmar Elementary: The existing signal at Clarmar Avenue and 19th Street is less critical due to the closure of Clarmar Elementary School, which is slated for demolition.
Brad Dahl, associate superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, expressed gratitude for the planned signal relocation, emphasizing its importance for student safety. “Moving the pedestrian traffic signal will assist with the safe crossing of Luther for all,” Dahl stated, highlighting the increased pedestrian crossings at the intersection.
Funding and Implementation
The relocation of the signal is part of the 2023 Traffic Signal Improvements project. The city plans to amend the project contract to include an additional $19,023.10 for the relocation. Sadler Electric Company will handle the construction, ensuring the signal is operational before the start of the school year on August 19.
Additional Safety Measures
The city is also working on a new sidewalk along the north side of Jack Sutton Drive, stretching from Luther Road to South Johnson Road. The construction company has completed the section from South Johnson Road to SunRidge Place, and the remaining portion to Luther Road is expected to be finished by Friday, August 16.
Project Details:
- Sidewalk Width: The new sidewalk will be four feet wide, providing a safe walking path for students and residents.
- Completion Timeline: The city aims to complete the sidewalk before the school year starts to ensure safe and accessible routes for pedestrians.
Community Involvement and Feedback
The decision to relocate the pedestrian signal comes after input from concerned citizens who highlighted the risks posed by the current crossing at Luther Road. Public Works staff noted that, although the traffic study did not initially recommend signalization at 19th Street and Luther Road, community feedback and increased pedestrian activity necessitated the change.
Public Works has recommended the removal and recycling of the existing signal at Clarmar Avenue for use at the new location. This will enhance safety for all pedestrians and cyclists accessing the Rawhide Creek Trail.
City Council Meeting
The Fremont City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, in the second-floor council chambers of the city Municipal Building at 400 E. Military Ave. The council will discuss and potentially approve the relocation, demonstrating the city’s commitment to student and pedestrian safety.
Wrapping Things Up
Fremont is well on its way to making a safer neighborhood for students and locals, being all hands-on deck as the town blossoms. The impending move of the pedestrian signal, coupled with the crafting of fresh sidewalks, showcases the town’s commitment towards molding an environment that’s both accessible and safe for everyone. Now, as the curtain raises on another year of learning, these upgrades take center stage in shielding our most cherished little ones.
