The City of Middleton announced that it has secured a grant to improve pedestrian safety for students attending Middleton High School. The funding will be used to extend the existing West Highlands Meadows subdivision walking pathway so it reaches Willis Road and to install a new, lighted, push‑button‑activated crosswalk at that location.
Why the crossing matters
Currently the pathway ends at the sidewalk along Willis Road, leaving children to cross the busy street without a designated, protected crossing. Residents such as Shawntae Smith have witnessed the danger firsthand. \”You can barely get your car out, let alone get both sides to stop for a child to cross,\” Smith said, adding that she has repeatedly urged city officials to act.
City and school district partnership
Middleton Public Works Director Jason Van Gilder explained that the project has been in development for about a year. He said the city is coordinating closely with the Middleton Independent School District to ensure the crossing meets the needs of students and families. \”We do have plans to get a crosswalk from the pathway leading from the development to the north to get those kids a safe route to get to school and make it more accessible for them,\” Van Gilder said.
The school district shares the city’s concern. \”They have some vested interest in keeping their students safe. We want to as well, and if we can work together to make that happen, we’re excited about that,\” Van Gilder added.
Design features
The planned crossing will include bright lighting and a push‑button‑activated beacon that signals drivers when a pedestrian wishes to cross. This technology has been proven to reduce vehicle speeds and increase driver awareness at similar locations across Texas.
Community context
Willis Road is a thoroughfare used not only by students but also by families walking dogs, seniors running errands, and other community members. The tragic death of Middleton High School student Carson Chrapkowski earlier this school year, after being struck on Willis Road, underscored the urgency of the safety improvements.
Smith noted that the road’s length and proximity to the school make a protected crossing essential. \”A lot of people that walk their dogs, and I, you know, it’s just such a long stretch of road right by a school that I think it’s important to have something like that over there,\” she said.
Future plans
The crosswalk is not the only safety project under consideration. The city is also commissioning a study of the Willis Road and Hartley Avenue intersection to evaluate additional improvements.
As Middleton continues to grow, residents hope city leaders will keep road safety and infrastructure at the forefront of future development decisions. \”I just hope that the city continues to look at the roads and the infrastructure, and also take that into consideration when proposing and allowing more development of houses to be made,\” Smith said.
Timeline
Construction is slated to begin later this year, with the new crosswalk expected to be operational by next spring, pending final design approvals and contractor selection.
City officials encourage community members to stay informed about project updates through the city’s website and public‑works meetings.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
