Ephrata studies school zone speed

EPHRATA — Ephrata is examining whether to extend the school zone on Nat Washington Way in an attempt to protect middle school students.

The city council agreed staff should investigate a possible extension of the 20 mph school zone in front the St. Rose of Lima Catholic School.

City Administrator Wes Crago said students don’t seem to use the area often, but there are some concerns about Ephrata Middle School students who walk up the hill or are dropped off near the school.

“You see a large number of students going to the Ephrata middle school … pretty much from here at Third (Avenue Southwest) all the way down to A Street (Southeast),” he said. “We’ve actually been assisting the middle school in how they might route parents and students in a more efficient way.”

Some parents are dropping students off near the intersection of C Street Southeast and Nat Washington Way, Crago said.

“This has been mentioned and discussed at the staff level for many years. However, it has never really advanced past that,” he said.

Theresa Fuller with the Grant County Health District said traffic speed affects the fatality rate in collisions. She referenced a study showing the fatality rate rises by nearly 80 percent between collisions occurring at 20 mph and 40 mph.

“The fatality rate makes a huge leap between 20 and 30 mph,” she said. “So if you look at that area, say most people go 5 mph over, the fatality rate goes up.”

No vehicle related fatalities have occurred in the area, Fuller said, but there have been some close calls. Narrow sidewalks and limited visibility in the area add to the potential danger.

“We hear from our sheriff’s office on a regular basis that their traffic unit monitors this area,” she said. “You’ve got that curve on there as well and people coming down the hill, they just slowed down for the St. Rose area and now they’re picking up speed.”

She recommended adding flashing lights in the area to make people aware children are walking. The change would promote safety, while encouraging physical activity.

Police Chief Mike Warren said the school district endorsed the idea.

Mayor Chris Jacobson echoed Crago, saying he doesn’t see children in the area in front of St. Rose of Lima, but does see children near A Street.

“Empirically, I can think that should be a safety school zone,” he said.