KINGSTON CAUTION FOR KIDS
First phase of ‘Safe Routes’ project nears completion with activation of speed signs
The first phase of the city’s “Safe Routes to School” project is largely done, capped off with the installation of three “speed feedback devices” that inform drivers how fast they’re going.
The completed work is in the areas of Harry L. Edson Elementary School, J. Watson Bailey Middle School and John F. Kennedy Elementary School. Still to be carried out is a separate phase of the project near George Washington Elementary School.
City Engineer Ralph Swenson said Thursday that the three electronic signs alerting drivers to their speeds are installed and operating on Hurley and Lucas avenues, near the Edson and Bailey schools, and Delaware Avenue, near Kennedy. The signs are permanent, unlike the portable ones that city police can set up at various locations.
The new signs flash the speed of each approaching driver and flash a warning message if the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit.
The Lucas Avenue speed sign is near the corner of Dunneman Avenue, the Hurley Avenue sign is near Quarry Street, and the Delaware Avenue sign is near Corporate Drive.
Work still to be done to complete the first phase of the “Safe
Routes” project includes painting some crosswalks and activating the new traffic lights and pedestrian signals at the corner of Lucas and Washington avenues, Swenson said.
Other completed elements of the first phase include a new sidewalk on
Burhans Boulevard; the installation of “speed-calming humps” on Joy’s Lane; and the creation of handicapped-accessible curb cuts at Washington and Lucas avenues, on Hurley Avenue near the Elks Club, at Delaware Avenue and Murray Street, and on Gross Street.
The purpose of “Safe Routes to School” is to make walking and bicycling to and from school safer for
children who attend the three elementary schools and one middle school in the city of Kingston.
The second phase of the “Safe Routes” project — primarily improving pedestrian and bicycle amenities along the entire length of Henry Street, from Wall Street to Broadway — probably won’t begin until 2018, Swenson said.
George Washington Elementary School, at the
corner of Wall and Henry streets, has the highest percentage of walkers in the district, Kingston Mayor Steve Noble has said. He said the “Safe Routes” work will make Henry Street “safer for the many children who walk and bike” to the school.
Swenson said city lawmakers have authorized spending $26,000 to hire a firm to design the plans for the Henry Street work.