The Oregon Department of Transportation announced plans to construct a new crosswalk on Main Street in front of the Banks School District administrative building. It will replace the current crosswalk wedged between the entrance and exit to the school parking lot.
Announced Dec. 21, 2022, the project is currently in the planning phase, but according to ODOT will be completed by the end of 2023.
Plans for the new crosswalk cite concerns about the proximity of students to the intersection leading into and out of the middle school parking lot. Congestion on Main Street from Highway 47 and after school traffic from parents, students, buses and pedestrians is a concern held by both the school district and the city of Banks.
In a 2022 report published by the Banks School District and the city of Banks, the current crosswalk was cited as one of the district’s largest safety issues. Because of the high traffic on Main Street as school lets out, two certified flaggers are necessary to guide students across the street and help direct traffic.
To address safety concerns the new crosswalk will include curbs that extend toward the roadway, a rapid flashing beacon, overhead lighting and enhanced striping in addition to its relocation.
My name is Jake Moore. I was born and raised here in Banks, Oregon, and have recently returned home after completing my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Oregon. During my time in Eugene I wrote for the student run paper the Daily Emerald as a senior news reporter and served as a reporting intern at Eugene Weekly. I look forward to working with community members and reporting on local news.
Contact me at [email protected].
