OSBURN — Work is wrapping up on the Child Pedestrian Safety Project aimed at making school routes safer for children in Osburn, with four shelters erected in high-traffic areas where students wait for the school bus.

Those stops include the corners of Sixth Street and Chestnut Avenue, Washington Street and Yellowstone Avenue, Buchanan Street and Yellowstone Avenue, and near Leisure Acres II. 

A crosswalk upgrade near Osburn Lions Park is also part of the project, funded by a $136,000 grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council.

“This program helps Idaho communities make walking routes safer for kids, and we’re grateful to have been selected,” City Clerk Jenna Grant-Arthun said. “These shelters will help keep students dry, visible and safe throughout the year.” 

Much of Osburn is bisected by an old highway, with four lanes and 35 miles per hour traffic. In winter, snow removal and storage narrow streets, reducing visibility and available space for students waiting for the bus or walking to school. 

The crosswalk on Mullan Avenue, directly across from Silver Hills Elementary, features Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon signs to improve driver awareness of pedestrians. 

Wallace School Board Trustee Mary Rehnborg was pleased to see the city of Osburn adding and improving safety measures for students. 

“These shelters and safety upgrades make a real difference for families during Idaho’s harsh winters," she said.

Part of the state’s Leading Idaho initiative, the Child Pedestrian Safety Program supports projects such as sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks with safety signage, and bus stop shelters. Grants, typically up to $250,000, are awarded to shovel-ready projects that enhance safety and connectivity near schools. 

LHTAC’s mission is to assist local jurisdictions with technical expertise and funding to make transportation safer and more accessible for all residents, with a focus on protecting young pedestrians. 

David Evans and Associates provided engineering for the project. North Fork Enterprises is handling the construction of the shelters. 

“We appreciate LHTAC’s support and look forward to making Osburn’s school routes safer for all of our kids,” Grant-Arthun said.