College Place advances student safety with $198K+ pedestrian project
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE — The College Place City Council took a significant step toward improving student safety Tuesday night, unanimously awarding a $198,950.25 professional services contract to PBS Engineering (APEX) for the Davis/Whitman Drive pedestrian and bicyclist improvements project.
The project is designed to create a safer transit corridor for students attending Walla Walla University, Davis Elementary, and Walla Walla Valley Adventist Schools. By extending pedestrian lighting from College Avenue down Whitman Drive and south to Southwest Sixth Street, the city aims to provide safe passage through high-traffic areas.
“This will help provide safe passage and safe crossing across those busy intersections,” Capital Projects Manager Mike Holden said during the presentation.
The contract includes comprehensive engineering and design work aimed at meeting Washington State Department of Transportation safety standards. Key components include:
- Pedestrian and street lighting: Design of new lighting throughout the project limits to enhance visibility.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Curb ramp design and sidewalk infill to ensure accessibility.
- Safety signals: The installation of two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersections of Southwest Fourth Street and Davis, and Davis and Whitman.
During the meeting, Councilmember Monica Boyle questioned the cost of the RRFB units. Holden noted that while costs vary by location, a recent installation at Larch and Eighth Street cost approximately $15,000 to $18,000.
The council’s motion also authorized the Public Works Director Robert McAndrews to sign the final contract documents, moving the project into the active design phase immediately.
