Gonzales Mayor heads up Child Safety Initiative

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GONZALES — The Texas Department of Transportation will add a sidewalk and handicapped ramps to the west side of the intersection at US 90A and Texas 97. This project will bring that portion of the intersection up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards and will allow TxDOT to activate the pedestrian signal system already in place.

The pedestrian traffic project is part of Mayor Connie Kacir's Child Safety Initiative.

"This past August, I received a call from the business community elevating a concern for child safety for our high school students crossing the busy intersection of 90A and 97 during their lunch break and after school," Kacir said. "Immediately following receipt of this information, I contacted the Director of Operations for TX DOT, James Stevenson, requesting his support in a project vital to child safety."

Kacir's letter to Stevenson addressed her concerns and the necessity for the crosswalk and pedestrian signals.

"I am contacting you to make inquiry as to the possibility of TX DOT providing funding for the ADA sidewalk infrastructure needed at the intersection of HWY 90A and HWY 97. This intersection is being utilized by our high school students to cross to the Valero Corner Store. I am an advocate for child safety and would like to explore funding opportunities to have this needed infrastructure provided as soon as possible. The safety of our children is currently at risk. It is our mission and dedication to insure all available resources are considered in an effort to improve pedestrian safety in our city. The student population is significant at the high school campus with enrollment numbers continuing to experience increase," Kacir wrote.

Kacir said as child enrollment numbers increase, so does the city's concern for child safety.

"The City of Gonzales is dedicated to keeping our community safe and will always be committed to improve areas increasing children safety," Kacir said. "As a public servant, I value the opportunity to hear the voices of our community. I am available to work with the citizenry to improve the city we live in and call home."

Work on the crosswalk is set to start in the fall.

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