During the recent Atchison City Commission meeting, significant strides were made towards enhancing pedestrian safety and infrastructure in the community. The commission approved Resolution 33-99, which allows the city to accept two grants from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) aimed at funding pedestrian improvements on Unity Street and North Fifth Street.

The Unity Street project will see the installation of new sidewalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian lighting between Second and Sixth Streets, along with a pedestrian-activated crosswalk signal in front of St. Benedict School. The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $1,018,099, with the city responsible for a 20% local match, amounting to about $203,620. This local match is already budgeted within the city’s capital improvement program.

Similarly, the North Fifth Street improvements, which are part of the Safe Routes to School initiative, will enhance sidewalks and intersections, including a pedestrian-activated crosswalk at Fifth and Atchison. This project is estimated to cost $924,359, but notably, it does not require a local match, as funding for the local match has been covered by another KDOT division.

The commission discussed the importance of involving local contractors in the bidding process for these projects, emphasizing the need to support the local economy. However, it was noted that KDOT typically manages the bidding for such grants, which can limit local participation.

In addition to the pedestrian projects, the commission addressed the removal of the U Street Bridge, which has been closed since August 2022 due to safety concerns. The bridge's condition was deemed beyond repair, and the state has agreed to cover the costs associated with its demolition. This decision was made after a thorough analysis by KDOT, which determined that the bridge's traffic counts were low and that the cost of replacement would be prohibitive.

Lastly, the commission discussed the need for on-call engineering services following the retirement of the city engineer. This contract will help ensure that upcoming projects, particularly those related to transportation and sidewalks, continue to progress smoothly.

These developments reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure and safety for its residents, with a focus on pedestrian accessibility and community engagement. The next steps will involve finalizing the bidding processes and moving forward with the planned improvements, which are expected to enhance the quality of life in Atchison.