The village of Morton and Morton School District are continuing their collaboration to install rapid flashing beacon lights in existing crosswalks at the district's six schools.
The two entities agreed this month to evenly split the $215,000 cost of installing crosswalk beacon lights on South Fourth Avenue in front of Grundy Elementary School; North Morton Avenue in front of Lettie Brown Elementary School; and East Jefferson Street and South Nebraska Avenue and South Nebraska and East Crestwood Street near Lincoln Elementary School.
Low bidder Otto Baum Company of Morton was awarded a contract by the Morton Village Board for the work. The Morton School Board approved splitting the cost. Each vote was unanimous.
"This decision is a no-brainer. It's all about safety and it's good for the community," said school board president David Cross.
Crosswalks beacon lights were previously installed on East Jackson Street [U.S. Route 150] in front of Morton High and Morton Junior High as part of the 2021 junior high renovation project, and on East Jefferson Street in front of Jefferson Elementary School late last year.
Those costs also were split between the village and school district. Each entity paid $63,090 for the junior high school and high school crosswalk beacons lights, and $18,962 for the Jefferson crosswalk beacon lights.
When the projects approved this month are completed, each district school will have an upgraded crosswalk.
Former Morton School District Superintendent Craig Smock applauded the collaboration between the village and school district on the projects.
"The two crosswalks on Jackson cross a very busy state highway. The beacon lights have been excellent at keeping our students and the public safe," he said. "This safety extends well past school hours because the beacon lights function at the push of a button 24/7.
"The beacon lights have especially improved safety at night after our sports events let out, when many people are crossing Jackson on foot."
Morton Police Chief Shawn Darche said his officers have noticed that when the beacon lights are flashing at the crosswalk in front of Jefferson Elementary School, drivers tend to slow down sooner before they reach the crosswalk.
