Woodland Elementary School would be a quick walk from the growing residential area across the way, if it weren’t for a busy McKay Avenue. To encourage families and students to walk to school, the City of Alexandria, Douglas County, and Alexandria Public Schools is working with Widseth to create a safe route for students and their families to reach Woodland Elementary. Construction got underway on Tuesday, July 23, to install a pedestrian underpass beneath McKay Avenue/County Road 46 near Woodland. The new underpass will allow students and their families to safely cross McKay Avenue on foot without having to worry about the heavy traffic typically found in the area.
Widseth’s, Kirsten Plath is the project engineer. Plath reported that, “the project is moving along smoothly and will be a great asset to the community.” Widseth, the City of Alexandria, Douglas County, and School District 206 determined an underpass is crucial as housing options east of the school continue to expand. A safe way for students and families to access the school is a must.
Many months of collaboration went into planning and designing the underpass prior to construction. The project is scheduled to be substantially complete by August 30, just in time for the start of the school year. Those using the underpass will appreciate its wide, well-lit, open feel. The underpass is designed to be inviting for children to use and is handicap accessible. Bollard lighting will illuminate the path to the school on the west side of McKay, and interior lighting and street lights on both sides will provide plenty of light throughout the year.