The Folsom City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday’s consent calendar authorizing the construction of a median fence along Iron Point Road to improve student safety near Folsom High School. The decision aims to address increasing concerns about jaywalking among students, particularly in front of the school.
City officials noted that the Traffic Safety Committee had previously identified the issue of jaywalking as a significant concern during its April meeting. Students have been observed frequently crossing the road outside designated crosswalks, leading to potential safety hazards.
The approved fence will stand 5½ feet tall and span from the Prairie Oaks Apartment complex to the Treehouse Plaza Retail Center. This installation aims to discourage students from crossing the roadway in unsafe areas, particularly as they exit the school.
Public Works staff received four bids for the project, with Martin General Engineering submitting the lowest bid at $166,725. The project also includes a contingency budget of $16,672.50 for unexpected costs.
Council members expressed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe passage for students in the area. The construction is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety measures, which have historically been fully funded each year.
The project is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, streamlining the approval process.
As the construction of the median fence progresses, city officials hope to significantly reduce jaywalking incidents and enhance overall safety for students traveling to and from Folsom High School.
The project is expected to begin in early November and be completed by December 2024.
