Proposal To Make Route More Safe Wins Grant

Proposal To Make Route More Safe Wins Grant
By Tony Burchyns/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 03/25/2008

A proposal to widen sidewalks and install radar speed signs by Steffan Manor Elementary School has won a $130,000 state grant, officials announced.

The Safe Routes to School grant also will provide funds for crosswalks, curb ramps and "bulb outs" along Cedar and Georgia streets by the school.

"Bulb outs" are traffic-calming devices that reduce drivers' speed by narrowing the street and widening the curb and sidewalk.

It's now up to the city to design the project and hire a contractor, said Public Works Director Gary Leach.

"Of course we're pretty excited to do something to improve access for school kids," said Leach, adding it could be difficult to finish the work by fall but he'll "push" to get it done quickly.

The grant couldn't come at a better time, Leach said. Without the funding, cash-strapped Vallejo wouldn't be able to afford the construction, he said.

Steffan Manor officials helped pitch the project in light of student safety concerns during student drop-off and pick-up times.

Kindergarten teacher Karen Zizzo said too many parents double-parking during the mornings and afternoons creates a situation where students are streaming out into the streets.

"It's a lot of kids being dismissed at the same time," Zizzo said, adding the traffic-calming project "sounds like a good idea."

Leach said school officials have resorted to using orange cones and assigning employees to direct traffic in the mornings and afternoons, creating an "awkward" traffic situation.

Administrators at the school, where students are on spring break this week and next, could not be reached Monday.

Vallejo and Suisun City were the only two Solano County cities to win state-legislated Safe Routes to School grants last week. Suisun City will receive $900,000 from the California Department of Transportation for a multiple-use path between Marina Boulevard and Sunset Avenue.

"In years past, Solano County cities haven't gotten as much money from this grant," said Sam Shelton, assistant project manager with the Solano Transportation Authority. "This has been a windfall year."

Caltrans approved $52 million in grants this year after receiving more than 400 applications for projects totaling $113 million from cities across the state, Shelton said.

The Safe Routes to School program is meant to give students easier and healthier ways to travel to and from school. The program aims to promote walking and bicycling to school, and improve traffic safety around schools.

Shelton said a recently finished countywide Safe Routes to School plan has identified $32 million worth of projects. Officials are now working on obtaining the funding, he said.

• E-mail Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6831.