Safe Routes to School 2026 - South Lorain

Safe Routes to School – South Lorain Pedestrian Improvements

Background
The purpose of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is to encourage and enable students in grades K-8 to walk or ride their bicycle to school. Projects can be either engineering (improved crossings, sidewalks, etc.) or non-engineering (education and encouragement programs). Since the program began in 2008, walking and bicycling to school has increased in Ohio communities with active SRTS programs. The responsibility of a safe route to school is ultimately shared by the user, government agencies, elected officials and safety advocates.

The City of Lorain is preparing to launch a new SRTS project aimed at improving pedestrian access and safety for students and families in South Lorain. This initiative, funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), will focus on critical sidewalk and crossing upgrades near Helen Steiner Rice Elementary School and Southview Middle School. The improvements are designed to enhance walkability, ensure ADA compliance, and promote safer travel routes for children walking or biking to school.

Planned Improvements Include:

• Removal and replacement of deteriorated sidewalks
• Installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps
• Edging and grading to reclaim the full width of sidewalks
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
• Pavement striping and crosswalk enhancements

Location
The roads immediately adjacent to Helen Steiner Rice Elementary and Southview Middle Schools: Fairless Dr, Goble Dr, Palm Ave, Andover Ave, Tacoma Ave, and Camden Ave.

Project Team
Contractor: RMH Concrete & Foundations, Inc.
Construction Administration and Inspection: DLZ Ohio, Inc.

Cost
$465,638.90, funded in full by the Ohio Department of Transportation through their Safe Routes to School program.

Schedule
Construction Start Date: 5/6/2026
Anticipated Construction End Date: 11/15/2026

Questions?
Reach out to the Project Manager for questions about this project:
Gwen Frey, EI
City of Lorain Engineering Department
GFrey@cityoflorain.org

This targeted investment supports the City’s ongoing efforts to make Lorain’s streets safer and more accessible for all pedestrians, especially its youngest residents. By improving sidewalks and crossings near schools, we are not only enhancing daily commutes but also reinforcing our commitment to community-wide pedestrian safety.