Belgrade Sidewalk Improvement Projects

The following sidewalk improvement projects are designed to expand the City's sidewalk network, enhance safety, improve access, and promote pedestrian activity in the City of Belgrade.

Helen Drive

This project begins at the intersection of Spooner Rd and Helen Dr. and continues along Helen Dr to the intersection with N Hoffman St. It further continues South along N Hoffman St until meeting the existing sidewalk at the Belgrade High School.

Proposed Work:

• New, ADA-compliant sidewalk along one side of Helen Dr.
• New sidewalk along the West side of N Hoffman St.
• Marked, pedestrian crossing across Spooner Rd at Helen Dr.

Benefits:

• Adds pedestrian infrastructure to a neighborhood that currently lacks it.
• Provides a safe route to school.
• Adds an East to West crossing North of Belgrade High School.
• Improves access to Prescott Park, Belgrade Youth Sports Complex, Belgrade Softball Complex, Saddle Peak Elementary School, Belgrade Middle School, and Belgrade High School.

E. Madison Ave

This project begins at the intersection of S Broadway St/Colorado St/E Madison Ave, and continues along E Madison Ave to the intersection with Oregon St. The pedestrian crossing at Oregon St and Main St is also included.

Proposed Work:

• New, ADA-compliant sidewalk and curb and gutter along one side of E Madison Ave.
• Marked pedestrian crossings at three intersections: E Madison Ave and S Broadway St, E Madison Ave and Oregon St, and Oregon St and Main St.
• Investigate the inclusion of rectangular, rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the S Broadway St and Oregon St crossings, due to heavy traffic volumes.
  • RRFBs have been shown to increase driver compliance at crosswalks.
  • They can reduce the incidence of pedestrian crashes by up to 47%.

Benefits:

• Connects existing "islands" of sidewalk along E Madison Ave to provide a pedestrian-friendly, East to West connection on the South side of Belgrade.
• Enhanced safety and visibility for pedestrians crossing major intersections.
• Improve access to commercial centers, Lewis and Clark Park, and the soon-to-be-constructed, new Belgrade Public Library.

ADA Compliance

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits public entities, such as the City of Belgrade, from discrimination on the basis of disability. Title II of the act specifically applies to state and local government services and infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure includes right-of-way features, such as curb ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian activated signal systems.
• Accessible right-of-way features provide critical access to employment, health care, education, and government services.
• ADA-compliant projects provide equitable opportunities to use right-of-way features for many users:
  • Stable, firm, and slip-resistant walking surfaces.
  • Curb openings and ramps.
  • Detectable warning devices or tactile/audio push buttons.

    
    

Funding

• The City of Belgrade will be applying for a grant through the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.
• The TA Program provides federal funding for the design and construction of smaller-scale transportation projects, including:
  • Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
  • Recreational trails
  • Safe routes to school projects
• In many cases, the sponsoring agency is required to provide a funding match. The local match is 13.42% of the project costs, while the federal TA share is 86.58%.
• The program is competitive, with roughly 25% of applications being awarded funds each year.

  
  

Importance of Local Support

• Applications for TA Program funding are evaluated for several criteria, and public support can help demonstrate a need for the project.
• Letters of support are helpful, as they can be attached to the application.
• Letters can be sent by mail or email.