Polk County Safe Routes to School Project

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. Safe Routes to School grants are awarded to projects to ensure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program can be found at at oregonsaferoutes.org.

Through the Safe Route to School (SRTS) program Polk County secured a grant to construct the addition of bicycle lanes and sidewalks along the southern and western side of Hoffman Road and Gun Club Road respectively, as well as an enhanced pedestrian crossing treatment at the intersection of Marigold Road and Gun Club Road. These additions will help create a safer route to Ash Creek Elementary School. The City of Independence, in conjunction with this project, is also installing a left hand turn lane for northbound traffic turning off of Gun Club Rd. onto Hoffman. 

Construction began immediately after school ended in June 2024 and is expected to be complete in October 2024.