Community support helps bring new crosswalks to congested intersection

The intersection of Chestnut Street and Chase Avenue is located near Garrison Middle School and is commonly used by students to get to and from school.

"With Chestnut Street being an Arterial Street with high traffic volumes, this crossing was difficult and at times dangerous for pedestrians," according to Project Manager Mike Laughery E.I.T., Engineering Associate for the City of Walla Walla. "Without this generous participation the project would not have happened, let alone been a success. BMAC was really the spearhead on this project in the beginning phases."

Project design features:
- shortened crosswalk distance across Chestnut Street
- reduced distance for pedestrians to cross street
- improved visibility for drivers to see pedestrians
- eight ADA ramps were placed at the intersection for improved pedestrian accessibility
- solar powered flashing lights were installed above pedestrian signs at the intersection to alert drivers of the crosswalk

Project Contractor: Double T Construction

"As always the measure of a successful project is to come in on budget and on time," Laughery said. "This project did both."

The City of Walla Walla Engineering Department prepared construction plans and managed the project. The Streets Division helped out by moving and upgrading catch basins and storm pipes to match the new layout.

In addition, the Streets Division installed and programmed the flashing lights to alert oncoming traffic of the pedestrian crossing. The Parks and Recreations Department volunteered time to level the planter areas and lay grass seed.