Politics & Government

New Crosswalk Lights Aim to Improve Pedestrian Safety

New rapid flashing beacon system comes with $10,000 price tag.

No, those are not strobe lights outside of the .

The new solar-powered safety signals at the library crosswalk are called a rectangular rapid flashing beacon system, and they were installed last week as a way to let drivers know about pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Two of these devices are already , but this is the first such crosswalk signal in Whitefish Bay.

Find out what's happening in Whitefish Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The library crosswalk already had crossing signs, but these signs are larger, more visible, and with the push of a button from a pedestrian, the flashing lights will go off.

"There's always been a concern with that cross walk to make it more pedestrian friendly for people coming in and out of the library," Assistant Village Engineer Aaron Jahncke said. "With just a small amount of infrastructure, it brings more awareness that it is a crosswalk and people are crossing the street."

Find out what's happening in Whitefish Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jahncke said the equipment and the sidewalk work cost a total of about $10,000. The two signs on either end of the street communicate wirelessly with each other, so crews did not have to dig up the road to trench a wire under the street.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Whitefish Bay