Public Works Committee weighs $100,000 TSP bucket, Applegate bike lanes and pedestrian safety fixes

The City of Plymouth Public Works Committee reviewed priorities for a $100,000 Transportation System Plan (TSP) allocation and discussed several safety improvements, including finishing protected bike lanes on Applegate and possible traffic-calming measures on Main Street and North 9th.

A committee member said the strategic plan moved a "$100,000 into the upcoming budget for, like, sort of pedestrian bike transportation system plan upgrades" and asked the group to identify one or two projects that could be started with that funding. Members focused on making Applegate more continuous for cyclists, particularly to improve routes to elementary and high schools. The group discussed possible designs (one-way vs. two-way bike facilities), the practical effect of losing on-street parking and whether moving the center line or grinding pavement would increase costs.

Committee members flagged schedule constraints: Benton County often performs striping for the city and orders paint on an annual cycle; staff said paint is typically ordered by July 1 and striping is performed in August, so any summer work requires an early decision. School-district consultation was recommended before finalizing lane placement near campuses. "If we're wanting to do it this summer, I would need some directions sooner or later," one staff member said.

The meeting also addressed pedestrian-safety measures: members proposed painting "25" on pavement along strategic stretches of Main and Applegate to remind drivers of the speed limit and discussed a raised (table) crosswalk at North 9th and Pioneer to slow vehicles approaching a hill; committee members noted the pedestrian ramp and sidewalk alignment could make that solution costly and will require engineering review. Staff agreed to gather cost estimates and logistics for the Applegate option, check paint/striping schedules with Benton County, consult with the school district and report back; the committee tentatively scheduled follow-up work and plans to make a recommendation to city council.