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Apache Junction working with schools to build crosswalks

Posted at 6:32 PM, Apr 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-07 21:32:13-04

Soon every school in Apache Junction will have a crosswalk nearby. 

"The resources that we have are much more limited because of our smaller population, but there's no reason that other councils in other cities couldn't enact this same type of cooperation between schools and the city," said council member Gail Evans. 

Evans worked with the city manager, engineers, police department and administration at Imagine Prep Superstition to design a crosswalk plan that will be built this summer.

Imagine Prep is the only remaining school in the city that does not have a crosswalk for students to walk to and from campus, she said. 

"As we get bigger and we have more and more students walking to school, more and more students riding bikes to school, more buses coming in and out, more cars coming in and out, we really said, what can we do to ensure safety?" Principal Frank Stirpe told ABC15. 

About a year and a half ago, Stirpe said a student was severely injured after being hit by a car on 16th Avenue, bordering the campus. 

"That set that student back, they missed around a whole year of school, several surgeries, just a tough time for us as a school and a tough time for that family," he said. 

Imagine Prep is also working with public schools in the city to apply for a grant that could lead to flashing signs and photo enforcement in school zones. 

"It's exciting, anytime you can do something to ensure that your campus is going to be a little bit safer."