Wallace approves project bid
The city of Wallace will be installing several of these flashing crossing signs — known as rectangular rapid flashing beacons — at various spots in the city where there is high pedestrian traffic. The project is being done using grant monies from the Idaho Transportaion Department TAP funds with a small portion being paid for by the city itself.
Courtesy photo
WALLACE — The Wallace City Council voted on Thursday to approve a $63,000 bid from National Native American Construction (NNAC) for the Gateway Project.
Wallace’s Gateway Project consists of the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps, installation of sidewalk, removal of signage and pavement markings and the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs).
A crossing will be constructed south of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce to provide access from the Veterans Park to the Visitor’s Center and another crossing will be constructed across Fifth Street south of River Street.
The project is funded through grant monies from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
The purpose of the TAP (formerly known as Community Choices for Idaho) is to provide for a variety of alternative transportation projects to address the needs of non-motorized users and to advance the ITD’s strategic goals of mobility, safety and economic opportunity while maximizing the use of federal funds.
The city of Wallace had to apply for the grant before they could get any plans done and this particular application, according to city of Wallace engineer Jim Roletto, was completed in 2016.
With grant monies covering the bulk of the project, Wallace is only responsible for roughly $7,000 of the project.
“What we came up with is that we thought it would be nice to connect from the Visitor’s Center to that walking/bike path there,” Roletto said. “That was a big part of the project. And then we thought that we should put some of those flashing signs, so that when the kids come out of school there, they often like to go under the viaduct and they use that narrow walking bridge. So we applied to put a sign there so that when the kids want to cross, they can push a button and it flashes and definitely gets your attention.”
They will also be putting a flashing crossing sign near the Hico.
NNAC has worked for the city of Wallace on various other projects, and Roletto is excited for them to work in the community again.
The project is set to begin later this year as the weather picks up.