County B at SCHS due for pedestrian signal

The intersection of County Road B and Lincoln Street in Shawano is a busy one, with high levels of vehicle and pedestrian traffic twice every weekday as Shawano Community High School starts and ends classes, and there are concerns that someday someone will be hurt there.

The topic came up for discussion March 23 at the Shawano School District’s policy and curriculum committee. Superintendent Randi Anderson noted that it has been a topic of concern for years, and there could be an opportunity for the district and the city of Shawano to work together on a solution.

“We had a conversation with (City Administrator) Eddie Sheppard, looking to see if the district was interested in partnering with the city in splitting the cost for a pedestrian crossing light,” Anderson said, noting that the setup would be the same as what’s currently on Green Bay Street at the Mountain Bay Trail intersection. The city recently got approval to put another one on Main Street at its intersection with the Mountain Bay Trail.

Anderson noted the cost would be about $10,000 each for the district and city and that there would also need to be involvement from Shawano County, as the road is designated as a county highway. She also noted that the signal may go at the County B intersection with Evergreen Street and plans would be to encourage pedestrian traffic going in and out of the high school to cross there.

“Right now, we have kids crossing at both spots,” Anderson said.

School board member James Davel, who is also the county’s administrative coordinator, suggested holding off for at least a month while he consults with the county’s highway safety commission. He noted the commission meets in April.

“What I’m thinking is that, if everybody’s willing to split some of the cost, maybe we could get the county to pitch in, as well,” Davel said. “Maybe we could put another one in on Waukechon Street over by Hillcrest (Primary School). It’s something to consider.”

Board member Chris Gull questioned if there might also be state funding available to pay for the signal, given the intersection’s close proximity to Main Street, which is part of state Highway 22.

Anderson noted that good presence from the Shawano Police Department has helped to prevent accidents at the area schools. She said she would like to see the signals installed by the fall.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com