Safe Routes to School

The City of Becker received a Safe Routes to School grant this past year for a project consisting of a sidewalk along Co. Rd. 24 from Rolling Ridge Road to County 23 and 3 pedestrian warning lights for crossings. The project has had some administrative obstacles to overcome but it is hoped the project will be built in the next few months. The city was approached by a contractor to provide for a demonstration project as he knew we were pursuing the grant project. This contractor, Decorative Pavement Marking of Plymouth, was willing to provide a product and installation if the city was willing to participate to the extent of providing new asphalt for the crossing location. The product is made by DuraTherm Products from Canada. It is a plastic material made with bright colors and glass beads to provide high visibility.

To install this product the pavement needs to be fresh so that it can be heated and provide for some give. Once the asphalt is heated a template is placed on the surface and rolled with a compactor to make an indentation in the asphalt. The plastic material is them placed in the indentations and melted into place. The result is an extremely durable crosswalk marking said to last up to 40 years. The city paid $1500 to have the path installed and the contractor paid the remaining costs. Generally this crosswalk costs about $4600. This seems like a lot of money for a crosswalk but considering the painting costs on an annual basis it is cost effective in the long term. I wish to thank Decorative Pavement Marking for there efforts and contribution to our safe routes to school grant.

If you get a chance take a look at this crossing. It is located on Bradley Blvd. directly in front of the school. It is a great looking crosswalk!