Building sidewalks and safety improvements for children and pedestrians who walk along Hot Springs Road from Sage Street to Pine Lane may stay at the top of the city's priority list Wednesday as transportation officials take another look at funding priorities.
Inherited from the state in the early 1990s, the stretch of roadway poses safety hazards for area residents who are at risk from the estimated 7,500 cars that pass through each day, city officials say.
If funded, the city hopes to start the $300,000 safety and pedestrian improvements next spring or summer, said John Flansberg, city transportation manager.
About 30 children wait for the school bus in the area, some of them standing in the road, Flansberg said.
"We notice that there are a lot of children that wait for the bus, especially near the Tiger Drive area," Flansberg said. "We've also had a few complaints from citizens walking to and from that area. This will be a big help in that regard."
Safari Mobile Home Park, with 84 residences on Tiger Drive, is home to many children and families. Many residents use Hot Springs Road to walk to nearby stores, movies and North Carson Street.
The Hot Springs project was identified as a high priority in October by the city's Regional Transportation Commission and the Board of Supervisors. It was first among three projects the city would request funding for from the Nevada Department of Transportation.
The state added another project, a $555,759 addition and improvements to the Nevada State Railroad Museum through the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, to the list.
Transportation officials asked the city's new planning organization to prioritize the list again with the addition and then resubmit it for funding, Flansberg said.
The other two city projects are a North Carson Street median island landscaping project for $200,000 and the Carson City Freeway/College Parkway interchange landscaping project for $240,000.
The projects would be completed by the city, which would be reimbursed by the state if approved. The city will pay 5 percent of the project cost. State officials will decide which projects to fund Aug. 8.
Other action planned for Wednesday: City transportation staff will ask the Regional Transportation Commission for permission to begin a "right-of-way" study for Fairview Drive. A widening project is planned between the future Carson City Freeway interchange on Fairview Drive to Roop Street.
The study would allow staff to begin preliminary studies to identify roadway width alternatives, conflicts and to hold public meetings, Flansberg said.
IF YOU GO
What: Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.