Moscow City Officials Retained Hayes Street Configuration

The city decided against altering traffic patterns on Hayes Street following a review of safety data.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall

Moscow City Officials Retained Hayes Street Configuration

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Moscow city officials have opted not to change the current traffic configuration of Hayes Street. This decision followed a comprehensive review of traffic volume, vehicle speeds, and pedestrian safety at local intersections.

Why it matters

The decision follows concerns raised by local parents about near-miss incidents involving students at crosswalks. City officials evaluated data throughout the school year to determine if modifications were necessary to improve safety.

The city conducted an assessment of traffic and pedestrian numbers at the intersections of Hayes Street and Third Street and Hayes Street and Sixth Street. The findings resulted in a formal decision to maintain the status quo for the street's infrastructure.

The players

Lena Whitmore Elementary

This local school community served as the primary advocate for safety improvements on Hayes Street.

Moscow Public Works and Finance committee

This municipal body is responsible for overseeing city infrastructure projects and reviewing safety studies.

The details

The Moscow Public Works and Finance committee reviewed the data after receiving a formal letter from the Parent Advisory Team of Lena Whitmore Elementary. The committee examined crash data and vehicle speed metrics before concluding that the current configuration remains appropriate.

In March 2026, the Parent Advisory Team submitted a letter to the city.
On October 12, 2026, city officials discussed the safety concerns during a public meeting.

Political Context

Opponents of the decision, including the Lena Whitmore Elementary Parent Advisory Team, argue that near-misses warrant immediate infrastructure intervention despite the city's adherence to standard traffic data models. These advocates emphasize that current statistical metrics may fail to capture the subjective risks felt by pedestrians daily.

Residents should anticipate that traffic patterns and speed limits on Hayes Street will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. Those who frequently walk to East City Park or Lena Whitmore Elementary will continue to utilize the existing crosswalks and street layouts.

The takeaway

City leaders rely on a combination of crash history and speed metrics to prioritize infrastructure spending. Residents concerned about street safety should continue to document specific traffic incidents to provide evidence for future municipal budget cycles.