In Chanhassen we know that safe and welcoming streets start with looking out for people on foot. That’s why the city has made pedestrian safety a top priority by finding ways to make crossings safer, encourage driver awareness and do it all in a way that is effective and affordable. 

One example can be seen at the intersection of Kerber Boulevard and West Village Road. As part of a citywide Pedestrian Improvement Project reviewed by the City Council in early 2024, this crossing was identified as needing upgrades. This summer, the city installed reflective delineators and new pedestrian signage designed to grab driver attention and encourage slower speeds. 

The results have been clear: Using data gathered by the city’s speed trailer, staff compared conditions before and after the upgrades. Since the upgrades were added, drivers have been slowing down. The average speed of most vehicles has dropped by about 4 miles per hour and almost every driver is now staying within the speed limit. Just as important, more drivers are stopping when someone is waiting to cross, making it safer and easier for pedestrians to get across the street. 

These kinds of results show that it does not always take major construction or large investments to make a difference. With the right improvements in the right places, Chanhassen can create safer crossings and respond directly to the needs of residents. 

As a reminder, pedestrian crosswalk bollards are removed each fall, before the snow season, to allow for snowplowing and other winter maintenance. They return in the spring once winter operations wrap up. Even when those signs are not in place the city remains committed to pedestrian safety through clearly marked crosswalks, regular traffic enforcement, public education and ongoing investments in sidewalks and trails. 

The Kerber and West Village project is just one success story and more work lies ahead. But it demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and modest expense, Chanhassen can make real strides in creating safer, more connected neighborhoods for everyone.