City to improve safety at four high-traffic crosswalks
Grant helps with installation of flashing beacons to protect pedestrians
MONTPELIER – The City of Montpelier will begin later this Fall installing flashing beacons at four high-traffic crosswalks. The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons are designed to alert drivers when pedestrians are preparing to enter a crosswalk, a program used in other cities including Burlington to protect pedestrian safety. The City Council was briefed this week on the safety improvements.
“Montpelier is known for its pedestrian-friendly downtown, and proud that most of our drivers are careful and aware when approaching crosswalks,” said City Manager William Fraser. “These beacons will make sure drivers near our busiest intersections have a little extra warning and are on the lookout for people crossing the road.”
The beacons will be placed by the end of November at Bailey Avenue at the shared use path crossing located in front of Montpelier High School, Main Street at Barre Street, Elm Street at Pearl Street, and Elm Street at Vine Street. When activated, these devises quickly flash alternating yellow lights underneath the crosswalk sign resulting in increased emphasis to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings.
The total cost of the project is $36,000, half of it funded through a state grant. With support from the City Council, the Montpelier Transportation Infrastructure Committee applied for and received the VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Program grant.
From more information, contact:
Corey Line
Project Management Director
Montpelier Department of Public Works
(802) 262-6272