Three of Seven Safe Routes to Schools Applications Look to Win Funding

And some real news!

ODOT announced yesterday the list of recommended projects for the next round of Safe Routes Infrastructure Funding. Three are from Salem, keyed here to the priority list of seven they submitted (with more detail on locations also) back in June:

• Project No. 3 for a crosswalk, flashing beacons, overhead lighting, and crosswalk visibility enhancements for student at Washington Elementary School. $389,600
• Project No. 2 for a crosswalk, pedestrian refuge island, overhead lighting, and pedestrian signage for students at Swegle Elementary School. $260,000
• Project No. 4 for sidewalks, stormwater collection facilities, and ramps for students at Mary Eyre Elementary School. $334,400

ODOT recommends 3 of 7 for funding

Projects near Englewood, Crossler, Morningside, and Grant were not recommended for funding. It looks like average income levels was a very strong factor in the scoring.

More from the ODOT press release:

We are excited to share that the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee recommends funding 26 projects totaling $32.4 million for ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program. These funds will focus on under-resourced communities and safety....

In August 2022, ODOT received 83 applications from across the state for the SRTS Competitive Construction Grant Program totaling $80 million in needed safety improvements. The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee met on November 17 and approved a recommended project list for the Safe Routes to School Construction Competitive Grant Program for the Oregon Transportation Commission’s consideration at its January 12 meeting.