11/15/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Middleton, ITD secure funds and equipment for pedestrian signal near high school
MIDDLETON -- A new pedestrian crossing signal near Middleton High School will be installed next spring as a result of a cooperative effort between the city of Middleton and the Idaho Transportation Department to re-direct funding and equipment.
Funds from a $100,000 grant awarded in August for construction of a sidewalk in Middleton under the Safe Routes to Schools program were reassigned to construction of a pedestrian signal light on Highway 44 between the high school and Cemetery Road.
ITD also contributed crosswalk poles, mast arms, a traffic light control cabinet and other equipment, along with an additional $33,000, to allow the construction of the pedestrian-activated HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalk) signal. The HAWK signal is a combination of a beacon flasher and traffic-control signal.
The city requested a project exchange in favor of a pedestrian signal following a fatal crash involving a Middleton High School student in September near the school.
Middleton and ITD collaborated on options to acquire the HAWK light for the high student-traffic crossing on Idaho 44 near the school. ITD found unused equipment, and the city researched the cost for the remaining items necessary to add the HAWK light.
The location of the light will be identified in the design concept report being prepared for ITD review. Final project design is expected by late January 2011, with construction of the project -- including new sidewalks, crosswalk markings and the HAWK light -- in the spring of 2011.
For more information, please contact Middleton Planning & Zoning's Wendy Howell or Mayor Vicki Thurber at 585-3133.