Description

There are numerous pedestrians that cross Fort street between Barberry and Meijers. So many people that I almost always see someone else crossing as I do. This is very evident in the snow because a trampled pathway always exists. This is not the safest place to cross, with the curve right there and all. But it is the straightest path, because most people are coming from the apartments. It's excessively difficult to travel to Eureka or Pennsylvania to cross. Most pedestrians are burdened with grocery bags, and /or young children. I've seen a man crossing in a wheelchair, and a man that crosses frequently with a came. I myself am a grandmother with health problems. I fear assn accident may happen.

I also don't think it would make sense to put a normal traffic light there. I could see it causing backups. However, if we could install a light that always stays green until a pedestrian pushed a button to cross, it would make pedestrians safer, and not hold up traffic unnecessarily.

There is a pedestrian operated light at Eureka and Fort, but it is set up so that it is completely useless. The traffic signals already operate through a cycle whether you press the control or not. Pressing the switch does not change the timing of the light. The only function I see is that if you don't press it, the pedestrian signal stays as a hand, and does not turn into the walking person. Even though traffic is stopped for the light and crossing is safe. If you press it, when the light turns the walking man does show up. It's a little useless. Why not just have the pedestrian signals change with the light all the time?

I suggest a pedestrian crossing from the South side of Barberry to the median strip, and another from the North side of the Meijer entrance where Sonic is to the Median Strip. Then a sidewalk installed diagonally connecting the two crossings. Preferably a slightly convex crossing to allow water runoff.