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City Council Faces Controversy Over Traffic Safety Funding

September 11, 2024 | Yakima City, Yakima County, Washington


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

City Council Faces Controversy Over Traffic Safety Funding
In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the implementation of traffic safety measures at a local intersection, highlighting concerns over the lack of compliance data and the potential financial implications of proposed enhancements.

One key point raised was the absence of accident data since the installation of dividers and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection, which has resulted in a reliance on anecdotal evidence rather than concrete statistics. A suggestion was made to conduct a compliance study to gather actual data on traffic behavior, which could provide a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the current safety measures.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the city council's decision to allocate over $300,000 for a new traffic signal system, known as a HAWK signal, which was significantly higher than the initial estimate of under $200,000. The original plan involved repurposing existing equipment, but changes in engineering personnel led to increased costs and a shift in strategy. The discussion underscored frustrations over wasted expenditures and the need for more effective planning and budgeting in traffic safety initiatives.

As the meeting progressed, it was noted that the agenda had been largely consumed by these discussions, leading to the decision to table remaining items for future consideration. However, an update was provided on the Active Transportation Alliance, with the first meeting scheduled for September 24th, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance transportation safety and accessibility in the community.

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