The November 2008 Streets and Bridges General Obligation Bond Measure included $1,644,000 to address bicycle and pedestrian safety needs, with a focus on making connections to schools and parks safer. Of this amount, $431,000 is designated to fund pedestrian crossing safety projects and $1,213,000 is designated to construct missing sidewalks and bicycle lanes to schools and parks.
In late 2009, the City sought input from neighborhood associations, civic groups, schools, and citizens to identify high priority locations that need bicycle and safety improvements. A broad range of organizations and citizens submitted almost 150 individual project proposals. This input will assist staff and the City Council in prioritizing projects to fit the available funding.
Next Steps (Tentative Schedule)
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Pedestrian Crossing Safety Projects
- Staff evaluates pedestrian crossing safety projects (January - February)
- Citizens' Advisory Traffic Commission (CATC) provides input on staff recommendation (February)
- City Council Bond Committee reviews proposed projects (March)
- City Council Public Hearing on recommended project list (April)
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Missing Sidewalks and Bicycle Lanes to Schools and Parks
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Staff evaluates missing sidewalks and bicycle lane projects (January-March)
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CATC provides input on staff recommendation (April)
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Council Bond Committee reviews proposed projects (May)
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City Council Public Hearing on recommended project list (June)
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Project delivery will likely be spread over more than one construction season. Once a project list has been agreed upon, a delivery schedule can be prepared. We expect that the first round of projects will be constructed in 2011.
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The funds available will not be able to address all of the identified needs. Needs that are not addressed through this source of funds will be incorporated into the update of the Salem Transportation System Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Elements.
Public Input
There will be opportunities for public comment on the final project recommendations at the CATC meetings and at the City Council Public Hearings. Please check this website Salem Calendars and Public Meetings for meeting dates and times.
Questions? For more information, please contact Julie Warncke at 503-588-6211.