City of Halstead

Attention Halstead residents, parents, and drivers - Effective tomorrow, April 21, 2026:

Due to the sidewalk closures that will be occurring from Poplar Street to Main Street for the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project, the typical routes to school utilized by many USD 440 students will need to vary slightly over the next weeks while construction is underway. These are the suggested routes to get to school using sidewalks not under construction and after school the reverse of these routes can be utilized for students heading home.

For students, bicycles, or pedestrians coming from the east side of Halstead (east of Poplar Street; see Alt Paths Map), please use sidewalks to get to 6th and Main which is an all-way stop. Everyone should utilize the crossings at the controlled intersection to get to the sidewalk on the south side of 6th Street and proceed towards the schools along that sidewalk.

For students, bicycles, or pedestrians coming from the west side of Halstead (west of Poplar Street; see Alt Paths Map 2), please use sidewalks on the north side of 6th Street to get to the marked crosswalk that is just east of the 6th and Harvey Street intersection. In coordination with USD 440, this is where the school crossing guard will be posted and once across 6th Street, everyone will need to use the sidewalk on the south side of 6th Street and proceed towards the schools along that sidewalk.

Drivers need to pay special attention while driving on 6th Street as it is possible that students, bicycles, or pedestrians may attempt to cross at other intersections. Please use caution, slow down, and avoid distracted driving to help everyone arrive at their destination safely. There will be increased Halstead Police patrol presence during these times in the school zone corridor.

We encourage everyone to use the alternate routes as have been set out. We ask everyone to remember to be safe when crossing any streets, remind children of basic safety rules when crossing streets, and to avoid attempting to travel in or cross from the sidewalk construction zones. We thank everyone for their attention, mindfulness, and patience while this project is ongoing.