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.
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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."
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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.
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