50 curb ramps may be added along school routes

The city's Public Works Department plans to use grant money to help pay for the installation of more than 50 curb ramps so children who ride their bicycles to school will find safer routes come fall.

The low project bid came in at a little more than $170,000 and a Safe Routes to School grant will cover about $145,000 of that. Funds in the city's safety enhancements account will cover the gap.

The smooth slope will allow easy passage from sidewalk to street for kids on bicycles, parents pushing strollers, people using wheelchairs and others who find stepping on or off a curb difficult, city engineering staff have said.

Before construction can start, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation must approve the plans. That review is not expected to be finished before the Common Council goes on break Aug. 2 for the remainder of the month. The Board of Public Works on Monday approved the contract contingent on DOT approval so work could be accomplished before school starts. The Common Council is expected to follow suit tonight.