To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Ryan Germeroth, P.E., Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering Manager
Title
Discussion/Direction: Creative Crosswalks in Downtown Castle Rock
Body
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Executive Summary
The intent of this discussion item, is to obtain direction from Town Council on whether or not to move forward with the installation of the proposed creative crosswalk layouts at several locations in the downtown area (Attachment A). During the 2016 Pavement Maintenance Program (PMP), most of the existing stamped concrete crosswalks on Wilcox Street and Perry Street in downtown Castle Rock were removed and replaced with standard concrete or asphalt. These stamped concrete crosswalks were not performing well from a maintenance perspective and were sometimes difficult for pedestrians to traverse. The remaining locations of stamped concrete on Wilcox is planned to be replaced in the same manner in 2017. Several options have been considered with regard to what type of crosswalk markings should go back in; ranging from new stamped concrete to standard painted crosswalks. The Castle Rock Public Works Department has coordinated closely with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Downtown Merchants Association (DMA) regarding potential marking options. Members of the DDA and DMA provided several suggested creative layouts to Public Works for crosswalks at four different intersections. Initially staff had concerns with regard to some of the layouts being distracting to drivers and potentially posing a safety hazard to pedestrians. Through several discussions with the DDA and DMA leadership / boards, five different layouts have been initially accepted by Town staff and recommended to Town Council from both the DDA and DMA for possible use in the downtown area. These unique layouts are expected to have a marginal impact with regard to both cost and the level of service of the annual crosswalk painting program.
Budget Impact
As stated, the additional costs anticipated with the creative crosswalk layouts are expected to be absorbed within existing approved budgets due to the reduction in pavement maintenance costs with the removal of the stamped concrete crosswalks.
Staff Recommendation
With the support of the DDA and DMA, Town staff recommends approval of the use of these creative layouts at specific locations in the downtown area. Staff will give a brief presentation to Town Council and will be available to answer any questions.
Attachments
Attachment A: Staff Report
Attachment B: Alliance Letter of Support