Committee approves plat to secure easements for Grand Avenue signal upgrades, adds ADA pedestrian crossings

The Infrastructure & Facilities Committee unanimously approved a plat on March 12 that establishes small permanent and temporary easement areas needed to relocate signal bases and poles behind sidewalks as part of the Grand Avenue signal replacement project (project 370-40-40).

Staff explained the project secured SISP safety-improvement funding that covers 90% of the project cost, and that redesigned signal bases must be placed behind the sidewalk where no public right-of-way currently exists. The plat creates small squares of land so the city’s real-estate negotiator can approach affected property owners to purchase permanent limited easements and temporary construction easements.

Why it matters: Moving signal hardware behind sidewalks improves safety and accessibility while avoiding poles or bases in pedestrian paths. Alder Martins asked specifically about Townline Road pedestrian crossings; staff confirmed the project will upgrade sidewalks and provide crossings to meet current ADA standards so pedestrians will be able to cross Grand Avenue at Townline Road after construction.

The committee moved the plat by motion and passed it unanimously; staff will proceed with easement negotiations and return with executed agreements as they are finalized.