Slow down, and watch for new technology coming to the crosswalk on Old Omen Road. The University and the City of Tyler have partnered to create a safer crosswalk on the busy roadway to address driver and pedestrian safety.
Safety concerns over the crosswalk came to light Feb. 2 when Amy Whitehouse, vice president of Student Government Association and Operations Director Chip Clark, appealed to the Tyler Traffic Safety Board to create higher visibility and improved safety at the location.
Students walking from The Cambridge apartments which opened in fall of 2007, must cross Old Omen, but at times, many students drive versus walk to feel safer, said Greg Lassen, vice president for business affairs.
The board recommends the speed limit on Old Omen Road be reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph from Fifth Street to University Drive.
As a result of the students’ efforts, the city also agreed to partner with the University to install in-pavement light emitting diodes (LED) flashing lights at the crosswalk. This is the first time the technology is being used in the city, said Justin Smith, interim traffic engineer.
The saucer-sized LED flashing lights will be installed across the road. When a button is pushed, lights will flash to alert the driver of individuals crossing the road.
“The in-pavement LED lights will cause the driver to focus.” Smith said, adding he was aware the technology had been used successfully in both Dallas and Houston.
A University official expressed relief over the project.
“We care much about this plan,” said Lassen, “We’ve been very concerned. I believe this is a wonderful solution. Once in place, I will sleep better at night knowing this has been done.”
The City-University partnership made the estimated $20,000 price tag more affordable, Lassen and Smith said.
“To educate students and pedestrians, the University plans to conduct crossing parties on the correct way to cross the street and utilize pedestrian laws,” Lassen said.
Board chairman George Willingham asked if the measures could be a long-term fix.
“Do you see any issues we would need to address six months down the road? 12 months?”
“I foresee the day, very soon, that we start building (residential),” said Lassen, speaking of acreage the University owns near the intersection of Old Omen and University Drive.
“At the moment all issues have been addressed around UT Tyler,” Lassen said.
“This was an effort lead by students and were glad the city could help. So, the key word here is partnership,” he said.
Right of Way Rules
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks as long as no vehicles are approaching at intersections and the pedestrian is on the sidewalk.
Pedestrians must yield when there already is a vehicle approaching the cross walk.
By Amy Weatherholtz Staff Writer
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