Safe Routes to School Plan

Image of a school crossing sign.

Background


The Safe Routes to School Prioritization Analysis document (Plan) is a tool which identifies priority sidewalk projects that would increase school walking routes in designated walk zones. It is a partnership between Pierce County and school districts in the urban unincorporated areas of the County.

Planning and Public Works worked with the Pierce County Council, and the Bethel, Franklin Pierce, and Puyallup School Districts to develop the first edition of the Plan (2015). Key parts include:

  • school districts' prioritized list of projects
  • estimated project costs
  • potential funding sources
  • analysis of potential project barriers and risks (evaluation factors)
The Plan will guide future efforts such as grant applications for projects to improve school walking route facilities. The projects listed within the Plan are not currently funded for engineering or construction.

Through ongoing communication and a team approach, we can work to reduce risk to students as they travel to school. The benefits gained by students and Pierce County residents include:
  • improved safety
  • reduced congestion
  • cleaner air
  • healthier children
  • overall reduced costs
Full Safe Routes to School Plan
Full Document (46.6 MB)

About the 2019 Update


The 2019 Update is the third edition for the Plan, and includes notable revisions such as:

  • Adds the Peninsula School District, expanding the number of partner school districts to four
  • Updates the school district's priority project lists
  • Adds two new evaluation factors - Cost Effectiveness and Community Equity
  • Adds weighted scoring to the ranking system
  • Updates the project cost model to reflect current design standards and construction costs

Other Resources


Contact Us


Phone: (253) 798-7250

After Hours Emergency: (253) 798-6000

Tacoma Mall Plaza
2702 S 42nd St, Suite 109
Tacoma, WA 98409