Decatur's New and Improved Crosswalk
Decatur Metro | November 7, 2008OK, I know only runners, dog-walkers and people that walk get excited about crosswalks, but this one could be the “wave of the future”.
Over on The Decatur Minute, Catherine discussed the new crosswalk being installed across Ponce at East Courthouse Square, and how the city will close the street on Sunday evening (around 7p) to do the work.
Though Catherine’s post said that the new crosswalk would be more visable, I was curious to know what physical changes would be made. So I followed up with Catherine and she told me that the new crosswalk would be textured with “faux-brick pavers” and be slightly raised (though still handicap accessible) in an effort to make it more visible to drivers.
I’m pretty sure that this is a pretty tried and true method for making crosswalks safer for pedestrians. A slight rise in elevation combined with the texture forces drivers to slow down and take note of us walkers. Even so, the city will test it on Ponce before applying it more widely throughout the city.
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David Junger, the City Publics Works Director, gave a detailed explanation (with a sample) to the City Commission last Monday evening, which I happened to catch on cable. The system they are going to use is actually a textured (brick pattern), colored asphalt product that is less expensive and quicker to install than most other crosswalk systems. I think he said it was in use at Atlantic Station and had good results. If it works well in the pilot installation, I imagine we can expect to see more, commensurate with budget constraints.
Would love to see these installed on N McDonough near the high school. I watch helplessly as cars speed through the crosswalk as my high school son is crossing. I am happy that he is cautious.
Slow down folks!
Eberhardt, N McDonough will be narrowed and revamped completely when the final phase of the streetscape project takes place. Unfortunately, that is a few years in the future.
I saw and used the new crosswalk this morning and was amazed how quickly they did the install. The faux pavers are quite a bit more realistic looking than I expected and, overall, I think they’ll prove to be a good addition all around town. Since this is a “beta” install, though, I offer two suggestions:
First, not sure if the brick against asphalt provides enough contrast for visibility. Ironically, the old white paint may have been easier to see. I’ve seen other communities do a 12″ or so white or yellow band along both edges of the pavers to good effect. Maybe give that a shot.
Second, to me, they could even go an inch or so more raised than they already are. I drove over it and just barely felt it. In downtown areas, I certainly wouldn’t mind a slightly less subtle reminder to slow down a bit.
Scott, I think they plan on re-applying the white striping on either side of the “pavers”, which should help visibility. It just didn’t get done last night.
Steve is correct and gets an A+ for watching the televised city commission meeting so intently. The white striping will be added.
Catherine provides a picture of the new crosswalk in use over at The Decatur Minute.
I like it! Not only for pedestrian safety, but it seems to add quite a bit of charm to the city. I wouldn’t mind seeing these throughout the city.