OSBURN — Work is nearly finished on a project aimed at making school routes safer for children in Osburn, city officials said. 

The Child Pedestrian Safety Project, funded through a grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC), includes four new bus-stop shelters and a crosswalk upgrade near Osburn Lions Park. 

The four shelters are being placed in high traffic areas where many students wait for the school bus each morning, including the corners of 6th Street and Chestnut Avenue, Washington Street and Yellowstone Avenue, Buchanan Street and Yellowstone Avenue, and near Leisure Acres II.    

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

“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.” 

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 actively adding and improving student safety measures.  

“It’s encouraging to see the city take proactive steps to protect students,” Rehnborg said. “These shelters and safety upgrades make a real difference for families during Idaho’s harsh winters.” 

The Child Pedestrian Safety Program, administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, provides grant funding to Idaho communities to improve walking routes for children.  

Part of the state’s Leading Idaho initiative, the 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. 

Engineering was provided by David Evans and Associates, and construction of the shelters is being handled by North Fork Enterprises. 

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