Task force advances planters, flex posts and pilot at crash‑prone North Main/Doyle–Randle intersection

The North Main Street Task Force discussed a targeted traffic‑calming pilot for the North Main Street intersection at Doyle/Randle Street, including curb‑extension planters, painted curve extensions and flexible delineator posts.

Dylan of the Streets Coalition presented the schematic and schedule, saying the project builds on a 2025 pilot and on grant funding: “the initial traffic coming plan was for five planters in the curb extensions” and the new effort would include about 10 planters. Dylan said the planters are on order from British Columbia and are expected in “two to three weeks,” but that planting timing could shift to spring. He also said, “I will note also there were two fatalities at this intersection,” framing the safety rationale for the treatment.

Task force members and staff discussed operational constraints: whether to add a dedicated right‑turn arrow at the right‑turn‑only lane, the need to preserve bus pullouts and turning radii, and whether flex posts will be sufficient to change driver behavior. Sean Raymond (Department of Transportation) said signal phasing and additional signal heads would determine whether a new right‑arrow signal is feasible.

Maintenance and jurisdictional responsibilities emerged as outstanding issues. Dylan warned that watering planters at the new location will be more difficult and may require hiring a contractor; he said the group is working to avoid having the planters become receptacles for trash. A public commenter asked how the city will notify residents of traffic pattern changes and who will clear sidewalks and crosswalks; staff replied that sidewalk clearing is the property owner’s responsibility and that councilmembers are reviewing options to strengthen enforcement of property‑owner duties.

The task force approved entering Exhibit 1 into the record and signaled support for piloting the plan while the design team refines how to handle winter removal, trash receptacles and maintenance agreements.