Safe Routes to School Projects Update

UPDATE from Rachel Tochen, Ph.D., Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator,

Bethel School District

The City received funding from the Safe Routes to School construction grant to put in a crosswalk with rapid flashing beacon on Royal by Prairie Mountain connecting to the new development there. They will also be completing a sidewalk along Royal to the light at Terry St from the development. Construction needs to be completed before the end of 2028.

The flashing beacon for the Royal at Berntzen Road by Petersen Barn location is currently at the 90% planning process and will be getting bid out this spring with construction (cross your fingers) happening this summer.

Unfortunately, the application for Echo Hollow had to be dropped as there was a change in amount of money jurisdictions could apply for. The City plans to reapply for funding for Echo Hollow in the next grant round (in two years), which will better align with the planned paving schedule. 

Also, I plan to ask when we present at the Bethel Planning meeting on Transportation on February 25th that we have a list of upcoming infrastructure projects to share with everyone.