Update on crosswalk safety

As many in our community already know, on Feb. 5 University students were injured in a pedestrian accident while crossing South Street in the crosswalk by Linsey Pool.

The safety of our community is paramount, and Brandeis immediately took steps to reach out to the City of Waltham to address safety issues in the area. We are grateful to the Waltham Police Department for their stepped-up enforcement of vehicle speed limits and crosswalk safety in the area, particularly around dusk, which have been very helpful in reinforcing to drivers and the Brandeis community that there is a need to exercise extreme caution in the area.

Ed Callahan, director of Public Safety, has met with City of Waltham officials to gain a better understanding of enhancements that can be made at this crosswalk to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety. They agreed upon a number of steps that will be taken, including:

  • Enhancement of street lights on South Street from the Epstein Center to the crosswalk – in process.
  • Addition of rectangular rapid-flash beacons to the existing crosswalk light  poles. These beacons resemble police vehicle strobe lights and have been shown to increase drivers’ attention.
  • Installation of dedicated spotlights over the crosswalk.
  • Installation of a motion detector light activation system, eliminating the need for pedestrians to physically push the button to activate the lighting system.
  • Rapid installation of larger signs on each crosswalk pole instructing pedestrians to push the button to activate crossing lights to enhance pedestrian use of the lights prior to installation of the motion detector system.

These enhancements will be made as quickly as possible in compliance with city policies and procedures and with regard to weather conditions and the possible need for temporary street closures.

Categories: General, Student Life

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