An act enacting pedestrian safety measures at the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School pedestrian bridge

Safer pedestrian crossings near former Cancryn school

The law provides $100,000 for safer crossings near the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on Veterans Drive in Charlotte Amalie. Public Works receives the money from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. The funds remain available until spent. The project requires electronic crossing systems, roadway restriping, and pedestrian facilities that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Required features include accessible curb ramps and approaches, detectable warning surfaces, high-visibility crosswalks, lane and traffic-control markings, lighting, and advance warning signs. Public Works must choose proven, cost-effective technology, considering reliability, maintenance needs, replacement parts, lifetime costs, and long-term sustainability. The work must meet national traffic-control standards and applicable federal and Virgin Islands rules. Public Works must coordinate with engineering, accessibility, emergency-response, and other government staff as needed, and implement and maintain the improvements. Within 120 days after the law’s effective date, the Commissioner must report plans, expected costs, technology, accessibility features, and timelines to the appropriate legislative committee chair. After completion, Public Works must report completed improvements and total spending to the President of the Legislature.