Discussion:
In March 2020 the City of Shakopee was awarded a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning Assistance grant. Since being awarded the grant, the Planning and Development Department has been working with a MnDOT consultant Alta Planning and Design to develop a formal SRTS plan for Shakopee.
As a recipient of the above mentioned grant, the city is eligible to apply to MnDot's Demonstration Project Technical Assistance Program. Demonstration projects are short term, low-cost and temporary roadway projects used to pilot long-term design solutions to improve walking/bicycling and public spaces. Projects might include, but are not limited to, bicycle lanes, crosswalk markings, curb extensions and median safety islands. Demonstration projects allow public agencies, community partners, as well as people walking, biking, taking transit and driving to evaluate potential infrastructure improvements before investing in permanent changes.
The city is looking to conduct a demonstration at Clay St. and 10th Ave. where many school children currently cross the street in the middle of 10th Ave. The demonstration would consist of a crosswalk realignment and a temporary curb extension to shorten the crossing distance at this location.