Hazel Elementary crossing improvements funded
The Birch & 9th crossing gets a flashing beacon, curb bulbs, and a raised crosswalk — construction before school starts.
What is happening
Council approved $180K in June for safety improvements at the Birch Street & 9th Avenue crossing by Hazel Elementary: a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon, curb extensions, and a raised crosswalk. Construction is scheduled for the last two weeks of August, finishing before the first day of school — which matters more than usual this year because the Mill Creek culvert detour routes extra traffic through this exact intersection.
Why it might matter
This crossing logged three near-miss reports and one injury collision since 2023. It is also a small, concrete example of the civic loop working: a parent group documented the problem in 2024, the segment scored high in the safety ranking, and funding followed. Done is not always slow.
What is known
- Funding approved 7–0, June 9 (council minutes).
- Construction window: August 17–28, with flaggers during work hours.
- The design matches the state active-transportation guide standards for school crossings.
Still uncertain
- Whether the beacon arrives on schedule — the supplier quoted 8 weeks and similar orders regionally have slipped.
Open questions are listed on purpose. Treat certainty claims you see elsewhere against this list.
Who or what may be affected
Hazel Elementary families
A visibly safer crossing on the main walk route, ready for September.
Drivers on Birch
The raised crosswalk adds a slow-down; the detour period will make this intersection busier than normal.
Thoughtful actions available
Note the construction window for school prep
Get oriented · 5 minutes
If you walk this route, the crossing is closed August 17–28 with a marked temporary crossing at 8th.
Sources
- MinutesCouncil minutes, June 9 — funding approval
Published Fri, June 12
- Staff reportSchool crossing safety ranking, 2025 cycle
Published Mon, October 20
Demo sources link to placeholders. Live connectors carry real document links — see the Live data page.