Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — In order to improve the future safety of both pedestrians and motorists in Hayden, town officials agreed on Thursday night to look at changing the flow of some of its streets.

Draft plans showing the realignment of Third Street and Breeze Basin Boulevard were presented to Hayden board members.

Approximately 1.14 acres of land must first be acquired from the Hayden School District before improvements can begin.

Some board members were careful to seek alternative plans in case the school district does not agree to sell the land.

Realignment plans call for widening the right-of-way from 60 feet to 90 feet and adding four left turn lanes with continuous flow lanes along Poplar Street.

A trail crossing from Dry Creek Park and realignment of an existing trail along County Road 53 would also be necessary.

Current plans also include the placement of a four-way stop at Breeze Basin Boulevard and Third Street, but board members said it might be saved for future consideration.

The project would cost the town $338,838, but that does not include the price of the land purchase from the school district, Town Manager Rob Straebel said.

"It's just an idea right now," Straebel said. "If we're lucky, maybe we'll have it next year."

School Board President Kathy Hockin was on hand to remind board members about ensuring the safety of children who often run and bike across Breeze Basin Boulevard.

Valley Elementary School stands along the boulevard, providing many opportunities that place children in harm's way.

"We need to get kids away from the traffic," Hockin said. "We need to do something before one of our little people get hurt."

Hayden town officials agreed that children's walk to school must be made safer by making some effort to change the intersection of Third Street and Breeze Basin Boulevard.

Straebel said he is hoping to get some assistance from the county for the realignment project because of its potential relationship with the county fair.