The crosswalk at the existing intersection is approximately 150’ and is on a route regularly used by children going to and from Central Elementary School. The proposed reconfiguration will tee-up the intersection which will shorten the crosswalk to approximately 55’. It will also allow eastbound vehicles to see both directions on Warren before proceeding to turn left or right.
The Lawrence & Warren Intersection reconstruction project was bid on April 6, 2021. The reconstruction will include new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and roadway. City staff received input at a public meeting from a Central School parent group and from the Non-Motorized Travel Advisory Council (NMTAC) and participated in a Walk Audit that looked at three intersections on Warren, at Lawrence, 9th and 8th Avenues. The City Commission also expressed interest in the intersection at 9th Avenue. Subsequently, we asked the design consultant to expand the scope of the project to include pedestrian improvement alternatives for the intersection at 9th and Warren.
- The first alternative would include the bulb-outs and a crosswalk across Warren on the north side of 9th Avenue.
- The second alternative would include bulb-outs and crosswalks across Warren on both the north and south sides of 9th Avenue.
- The third alternative is a lump sum amount for the installation of irrigation into the new expanded landscaped boulevard areas at the Lawrence intersection.
The Helena School District (HSD), when planning reconstruction of Central School, worked out a joint decision with the City to remove the striped crosswalk at 9th Avenue to promote a safer crossing location with crossing guards at 8th Avenue. HSD still believes that this is a safer situation.
If the City Commission would prefer either alternative #1 or #2 constructed, it should be considered to change Warren into a one-way southbound street from Lawrence to 7th Avenue, in front of the Central School property. |