After initiating a study based on data collected by four local Girl Scouts, Murphy City Council voted to approve the installation of crossing lights at the intersection of Betsy Lane and Oriole Drive during the Feb. 15 council meeting.

The Scouts of Troop 7901, Avleen Randhawa, Lizzie Mathes, Vienna Thompson and Kiara Leask, first spoke to council about the dangerous intersection during the December 2021 council meeting. They said it was difficult for pedestrians to cross the road outside of non-school hours, when there was no crossing guard.

They created a survey, polled the neighborhood and presented their findings to council. The Scouts requested the city install a crossing light at the intersection, along with signage and other effects to mitigate concerns.

Public Services Director Tim Rogers said a study was completed by Lee Engineering. According to the study, the intersection meets three criteria, called warrants, for the crossing guard.

Council approved the crossing guard for a cost of about $50,000.

In other business, after convening into executive session to discuss a proposed wastewater plant which may be built in Parker and Murphy’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, council voted to request a contested hearing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For the full story, read the Feb. 24 issue.