City officials met last week in a closed meeting to discuss proposed crosswalk installation.

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of pedestrian safety and connectivity within the City of Zachary, four priority crosswalk locations have been identified for infrastructure improvements,” said Sharon Phillips, Public Information Officer for the City. “These proposed crossings are intended to enhance pedestrian safety and promote walkability for both residents and visitors.”

The four locations are as follows:

1. Church Street and 40th Street

Located near the primary entrance to Zachary High School, approximately 380 feet east of the school, this intersection experiences significant pedestrian and vehicular activity during peak school hours (start: ~6:40 AM; dismissal: ~2:12 PM). Due to the volume and timing of this traffic, the area was studied for safety improvements. A traffic study conducted by Headway Transportation has been reviewed by the City of Zachary.

2. Main Street and Rollins Road / Old Baker Road

This intersection provides access from Old Baker Road to Main Street and serves as a key route for students and local pedestrians. The addition of a crosswalk would provide a safe crossing point at this busy location.

3. Main Street and Lee Street (Signalized Intersection)

Located downtown Zachary, this intersection sits near City Hall, a public park, and multiple businesses. The city prefers to utilize the existing signal infrastructure to accommodate pedestrians, and enhancements will be coordinated following a planned signal upgrade. A traffic study by Headway Transportation has been completed and reviewed.

4. Mt. Pleasant Road (LA 64) near Zachary Youth Park

This project falls under the City-Parish MOVEBR Program and is proposed near the Youth Park driveway. Planned improvements include:

• A striped pedestrian crosswalk across Mt. Pleasant Road.

• Installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) for added visibility and safety.

• Sidewalk and ADA-compliant ramps along the north side of Mt. Pleasant Road between Old Scenic Highway and the crosswalk area.

These enhancements aim to connect the Youth Park to nearby community assets, including restaurants, a church, and a daycare center. A traffic study by Headway Transportation has been reviewed by both the City of Zachary and the City of Baton Rouge.

All crosswalk locations have been identified by the City Administration, and all necessary traffic studies have been completed. 

"We are currently awaiting estimates and plans from PEC, our engineering team, in order to move forward," says Phillips. "Regarding the Mt. Pleasant/MOVE BR Project, we are still awaiting funding disbursement from the MOVE BR Program at the City level. This funding has already been approved by the City of Baton Rouge."