City receives grant to improve pedestrian safety

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The City of St. Joseph was awarded $252,000 in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to improve pedestrian safety across the community.

The project, known as "Safe Crossings St. Joseph", will install pedestrian safety technology at three high-risk locations across the community.

The total cost of the project equates to $315,000; however, with the $252,000 provided through the federal TAP grant and a $63,000 local match from the City of St. Joseph, the project budget is covered.

One of the locations receiving new technology will be St. Joseph Avenue at Krug Park and Parkway Trail. The technology will include a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will enhance safety at the busy trail crossing.

The installation will include pedestrian push buttons, dual-sided LED flashers and high-visibility crosswalk markings.

The investment will complete the City's ongoing $12.8 million revitalization of Krug Park

Hyde Park Avenue near Hyde Park and Benton High School will also get a new RRFB.

An outdated pedestrian signal will be replaced with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at Spring Garden Middle School (22nd Street).

Implementing the PHB has been proven to reduce pedestrian crashes by more than 50%.

The City said the Safe Crossings project was developed in direct response to concerns raised by community members during Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meetings and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan public engagement process.

Parents and staff with the St. Joseph School District also identified the need for safer crossings in a Safe Routes to School survey.