New safe route plan for Puyallup schools

Children walking and biking to school will soon have safer routes to follow in Puyallup.

The city is working on a “Safe Route” master plan to help increase safety at 17 schools around the city.

One of the first projects expected to be completed by early next year is a new sidewalk outside Ferrucci Junior High on Wildwood Park Drive.

A mother of two we talked to said she used to go to school at Ferrucci and told us this change is a long time coming.

“Wildwood Park Drive is a little bit tough to get around,” said Anna. “I know traffic has really increased through that area”.

Rob Andreotti, the city’s public works director, said growth has prompted city officials to take a proactive step to help create this new master plan.

It recently contracted a consulting firm for $100,000 to analyze routes and come up with potential traffic safety upgrades around 17 schools.

The changes would not be limited to engineering, say, a new sidewalk, but would also include educational campaigns for parents and the public along with extra traffic enforcement by local police.

“We are concerned about all of our kids’ safety going to school,” said Andreotti. “Traffic volumes are up everywhere in the city, certainly.”

The public will get a chance to weigh in on this traffic safety plan during a series of public meetings this fall and winter.

People are also encouraged to send in their comments online to the city of Puyallup.

More news from KIRO 7:

• No charges for officer after K-9 left in car 8 hours dies
• Teachers prepare for strikes statewide days before school starts
• Bellevue scolds landlord after tenant rents home on Airbnb
• Missing Washington woman found dead on Oregon coast
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group