Construction has started for the Hawthorne Road and Jensen Street Child Pedestrian Improvements Project. The project will update the intersection of Hawthorne Road and Jensen Street.

Construction will be limited to the area on Hawthorne Road between Robin Street and Jensen Street. This location is near two schools, three parks, and has been the site of pedestrian accidents. The project will include updates to irrigation, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and the addition of rectangular rapid flashing beacons.

The City of Pocatello was awarded $250,000 from the Children Pedestrian Safety Program administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council. This funding was available through an initiative by Idaho Governor Brad Little. The grant does not require additional funding.

The Child Pedestrian Safety Program is for paths and sidewalks along or adjacent to an existing roadway, connecting sidewalks and paths between two terminal points, ADA ramps, pedestrian crossing facilities, or paving an existing pathway. The main criteria for the project include the following: primarily affects children, includes hard data on safety, connects existing pedestrian systems for connectivity, and is supported by a transportation and pedestrian plan.

The Project is part of the Bannock Transportation Planning Organization’s pedestrian plan and is near the Hawthorne and Quinn intersection, which is currently undergoing updates. The City has identified this area for development, with better mobility and accessibility options.

The project is expected to take six weeks to complete.