Safer student crossing

COEUR d’ALENE — New flashing yellow lights at Hanley Avenue and Courcelles Parkway should get the attention of drivers, said Todd Feusier, Coeur d’Alene streets department director.

But he told Skyway Elementary School students not to count on it.

“The cars are not obligated to stop. It’s a warning,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “So when you walk up there and push the button, please don’t just step off the curb. You still have to look and make sure the cars are stopping.”

The city installed rectangular rapid flashing beacons that cost about $25,000 at all four crossings of the busy intersection with a roundabout.

Feusier said they are effective.

“They do cause traffic to be more aware of the kids when they're crossing,” he said.

A Skyway student was injured at that intersection last spring, said Principal Lesley Runyan.

The fifth grade student was riding a bike to school April 28 when struck by a vehicle while in the roundabout crosswalk on Hanley Avenue. The child was transported to Kootenai Health with minor injuries.

“This has been dangerous,” she said

About 100 students cross at Hanley and Courcelles each morning and again in the afternoon on school days.

Runyan said a crossing guard will continue to be there.

The city has RRFBs at more than 10 sites in the city, including on Fourth, Sherman and Harrison, and will be installing a set at Lacrosse Avenue and Ironwood Drive. It is working on a grant application to fund installation at several more intersections.

It spent about $8,000 to install flashing lights at Seventh and Best for Borah Elementary students in April.

Besides the addition of flashing lights at Hanley and Courcelles, the city cleared brush and removed a tree to improve visibility. The intersection is on line to be extended to Huetter and Poleline next year.

“It’s going to get a lot more traffic,” said Chris Bosley, city engineer.

Which is why Feusier emphasized students should be alert and cautious when crossing.

He said when they push the button they’ll hear beeping and see the flashing yellow lights. But he again told them not to just start walking and assume drivers will see them and stop.

He said during testing at the site, some drivers didn't even slow down coming into the roundabout, where speeds should be reduced to 15 to 20 mph.

Cars may stop, he said, or they might not.

“Sometimes people still don’t pay attention, but you guys have to pay attention,” Feusier said. "I really want you to understand that.”