The City of Washington is looking to reduce the number of trip hazards by improving sidewalks across the city.

At a recent city council meeting, the plan to implement a sidewalk trip hazard program was presented by staff. Safety officer for the city Keith Henkel explained sidewalks will be inspected and if a section is deemed unsafe it will need to be replaced. He said it includes homes and businesses, and only includes portions of the sidewalk in the right of way. The inspection cycle would be on a continuous four-year rotation with the city divided into four zones. The city would also cost share pieces of sidewalk that would need to be replaced at $3 per square foot. Property owners could choose to repair the sidewalk by contractor or by themselves. The item will formally be brought back to council for consideration.