Item Coversheet
ALAMOSA CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION

Subject/Title:
Motion directing staff on the installation of flashing Pedestrian Safety Crossing Signs given CDOT requirements
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that Council provide direction on if the City should move forward with the installation of the flashing pedestrian safety crossing signs.
Background:

The City was successful in securing a grant to fund the installation of flashing pedestrian safety crossing signs at four locations consistent with the Downtown Plan:  6th/San Juan, Main/San Juan, 6th/Hunt, and Main/Hunt.  The installation of the lights requires engineering and approval of the engineering plans by CDOT.   With the completion of the engineering plans, staff was made aware of a requirement of both the traffic engineer and CDOT that the installation of the lights would require the removal of the other crosswalk at the same intersection.  Staff will have a visual for the meeting to explain the design.

 

Staff is concerned that the removal of the crosswalks will draw public criticism and therefore, feels that Council should weigh the additional safety that will be gained with the signs and the inconvenience of encouraging pedestrians to cross a few more times than needed.  If Council decides to not move forward with the signs, the City will be out approximately $21,725 in engineering fees.

 

Staff has had multiple conversations with the traffic engineer and CDOT to see if there are any alternatives to the requirements.  Unfortunately, CDOT has indicated there is not.

Issue Before the Council:
Does Council wish to move forward with the installation of the flashing pedestrian safety crossing signs?
Alternatives:
Council can decide to move forward with the project as planned or determine that the inconvenience to pedestrians is too much and end the project.

Fiscal Impact:
The total project cost is $195,000.  To date, $21,725 has been spent on engineering.  The grant amount was $50,000 with the remaining funds coming from ARPA.
Legal Opinion:
The City Attorney will be present for questions.
Conclusion:
The City has tried to find alternatives to removing the crosswalks when installing the flashing pedestrian safety crossing signs, but CDOT has made it clear that it is a requirement.