Consider Crosswalk Signage Options Along Sunwood Drive in the COR

With all the improvements that have been completed over the past couple of years a pedestrian safety concern has been identified within the COR.  New businesses and park improvements have brought increased volumes of traffic, and more pedestrians taking advantage of the amenities and walkability of the area.  The opening of the VA Clinic and The Falls Cafe, on opposite sides of the street, has increased pedestrians crossing Sunwood Drive at Sapphire Street.  As the COR continues to develop, and additional buildings and trail connections are constructed, traffic and safety concerns will further increase.  Staff is attempting to begin the process of implementing strategies and improvements to diminish pedestrian conflict concerns along Sunwood Drive, between Armstrong Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard.

All key intersections along Sunwood Drive (Zeolite, Town Center Drive, Sapphire, and Rhinestone) have pedestrian crosswalks demarked with colored concrete.  In the past there has been some discussion regarding the installation of signage to draw more attention to these crosswalks, but due to signage requirements it would result in an excessive amount of signs that may oversaturate the area and potentially reduce compliance.

Current state law requires drivers to stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk, or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk.  This would cover the enforcement issue at the current intersections within the COR, but it may be beneficial to provide some improvements that would result in additional awareness towards pedestrians and the law.  Staff is proposing to purchase up to 4 "kid alert safety signs" that could be moved around the COR as necessary, and the installation of an in-street pedestrian crossing sign at the intersection of Sunwood and Sapphire.  The in-street pedestrian crossing sign is similar to what currently exists on Alpine Drive, east of Nowthen Boulevard at a mid-block trail crossing, and could be removed during the winter to allow for unobstructed plowing activities.

Funding is proposed to come from the traffic engineering budget for sign maintenance and installation.

Staff recommends the purchase and installation of the "kid alert safety signs" and in-street pedestrian crossing signage within the COR, in an amount not to exceed $1,000.

Motion to recommend to the City Council the purchase and installation of the "kid alert safety signs" and in-street pedestrian crossing signage within the COR, in an amount not to exceed $1,000.