Crosswalks near schools to get flashy renovations

FAYETTEVILLE — Just because a crosswalk is painted on the ground doesn’t mean cars will stop, but officials hope new flashing lights and signs will make school crosswalks safer for students and other pedestrians.

Streets near four Fayetteville schools are getting upgrades. Work is set to begin this summer and continue through the year.

The work includes new crosswalks, flashing beacons to alert drivers to the crosswalks, curb extensions and medians. Some of the improvements coincide with other projects already on the city’s work program.

The city’s transportation committee, made up of half the City Council members, reviewed initial drawings of the plans last week.

“They’re not fully baked concepts,” said Chris Brown, city engineer. “There are a couple things that may end up changing a little bit.”

Parents and school staff members requested the measures, Brown said. He estimated the cost of all the projects will be about $50,000. The money will come from the city’s Transportation Bond Fund, which contains about $500,000, he said.

Schools Superintendent John Colbert said schools and the city have worked for many years to develop plans for sidewalks and crosswalks to improve safety. The partnership is strong, he said, with a united focus to better serve students, parents and other community members.

“Neighborhood schools are an important part of our district and community,” Colbert said. “We look forward to working with the city on new ideas and plans to make Fayetteville even safer and more walkable.”

No major injuries have happened at school crosswalks within the past few years, a Fayetteville police spokesman said. But Brown said it’s better to not wait until something happens.

The work will improve the areas near Owl Creek School and Butterfield, Washington and Holcomb elementary schools, officials said.