Construction workers take concrete out to prepare for raised crossing.EMMA ROUTLEY/PHOTO
SPRINGFIELD – Concerns for children’s safety sparks the start of construction projects in three Springfield school locations. According to Jeff Paschall, City Engineer for the City of Springfield, the first of the safety projects will be a raised crossing out front of Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary School, 1084 G Street.
The City of Springfield received the Federal Community Block Grant to ensure that pedestrians would have a safe place to cross the street safely and meet the current American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, which contributes to the ramp upgrades Hamlin Middle School, 326 Centennial Blvd. will have. The 22-foot raised crossing at Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary School will keep speeds down in the school zone.
There is no parking behind Two Rivers-Dos Rios, and Paschall said that parents either park on the street or in the parking lot across from the school to drop off their kids. A raised crossing will provide “a safer crossing for students to get to school.”
Paschall said originally, the entire safety project was meant to be done by Labor Day, but due to schools going online they are able to extend the project into September.
The third location, Maple Elementary, 2109 J St. will be getting an RRFB Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon at the 21st & H street intersection, where the pedestrian pushes a button and lights flash at intervals.
Paschall said that they are thinking of installing an RRFB at more intersections because they are “trying to put in tools to make drivers more aware, be more safe in their driving and get that visibility out where the students are.”
