Intersection Improvements Near Maplewood Elementary

Be prepared for a slight detour if you plan to walk down West Pioneer and pass by Maplewood Elementary this month. The City of Puyallup is making significant improvements to the intersection at 12th Street and West Pioneer, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone, particularly our downtown students and families commuting to and from school.  

Starting in July, city crews are working to replace the aging traffic signal at this intersection. This 50-year-old signal, one of the oldest in the city's care, has been the subject of vehicle accidents due to its outdated design and damaged poles. The new signal will meet current design standards, featuring 12-inch LED signal heads with retroreflective back plating, improving reliability and intersection safety for decades.  

In addition to updating the traffic signals, the project will involve widening the intersection to improve drivers' turn radius and reduce the likelihood of collisions. This change is particularly important as the existing substandard turning radius has made it difficult for large trucks to turn, leading to past damage. The wider turning radius will create a safer and more efficient vehicle intersection.  

Another critical aspect of this project is widening the sidewalks to improve pedestrian accessibility. The new signals will include Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) with brand-new pushbuttons that provide visual and auditory commands, ensuring a safer crossing experience for students and families walking and biking to school. These updates align with our community’s commitment to providing safe and accessible routes for all community members, especially our students.  

Construction is expected to be completed by August, just in time for the new school season in September. This timeline has been carefully planned to minimize disruptions to the community's daily routines. During construction, pedestrian travel through the intersection will be closed. Still, vehicular travel will remain mostly unaffected, with advance notice and detours provided if significant lane closures are required.  

We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Puyallup and appreciate their investment in infrastructure that will improve safe travel for students and families to and from school. We also appreciate your patience during these upgrades, crucial for making our streets safer and more navigable for everyone. 

Read more about the project in Puyallup Connection online at  https://mailchi.mp/puyallupwa.gov/w-pioneer-signal-replacement