Redmond partners with ODOT to launch Safe Routes to School Plan to improve student safety

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Redmond has partnered with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Redmond School District to develop a Safe Routes to School Plan. The initiative aims to improve safety and travel conditions for students and families walking, biking and rolling to school.

City officials are inviting community members to participate in the planning process through an upcoming open house, school walk audits and an online feedback tool.

The initiative is funded through Safe Routes to School planning assistance recently awarded to Redmond by ODOT. The program focuses on identifying safety challenges along school routes to guide where future infrastructure improvements should be prioritized.

Lindsey Cromsigt, assistant city engineer for the City of Redmond, emphasized the importance of community input in identifying route hazards and infrastructure gaps. “Parents, students and neighbors walk these routes every day and they know where the gaps are better than anyone,” Cromsigt said. “Whether it's a missing sidewalk, a crossing that feels unsafe, drop off/pick up challenge, or a location where drivers move too fast, we want to hear about it. Your input will directly shape where we prioritize future improvements.”

In addition to the open house, the project team will conduct walk audits near three local schools to inspect routes in person:

• John Tuck Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 16, starting at Obsidian Middle School at 7 a.m.
• M.A. Lynch Elementary at 8:15 a.m.

Community members unable to attend in-person events can submit location-specific feedback using an interactive online map at www.odotsrtsprojectid.com. Project information is available in English and Spanish and inquiries can be directed to project contact Amelia Adams.

The project team will host a community open house on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, located at 411 SW 9th Street, to present the plan and gather input from residents.