What's going on at N. Spruce St. and W. Viriginia Ave.?

Issue: Public survey results indicated pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns at the intersection.  Spruce Street is a designated Safe Routes to School corridor and near misses have been reported. 

Objective: Increase awareness around the presence of pedestrians and bicycles in the area.  Data provides over 80% of motorist are traveling at or under the speed limit on Virginia Avenue in this area and visibility at the intersection meets design standards.

Solution: Implement new signage, paint markings, and delineators to elevate awareness between motorized users and non-motorized users.

Why green paint? Green pavement marking is now the accepted color for bike lanes, and you’ll likely notice this green paint in many urban areas you travel.  The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) lead the national charge for bike safety.  Green paint helps to guide bicyclists on a safe and direct path through the intersection, provide a clear boundary between the paths of bicyclists and motor vehicles, and increase the visibility of bicyclists in conflict zones with motor vehicles. 

Why not make it a 4-way stop? National design standards provide engineering criteria for placement of stop signs and this intersection does not currently qualify.  The City will continue to monitor conditions and adjust traffic controls as needed to enhance safety for all users. 

For any questions you may have, please contact Public Works at 970-641-8020.