New Crosswalks Enhance Safety

$40,000 spent to better accommodate UA pedestrians

By James Jaillet Senior Staff Reporter - Mar. 28, 2007

A thin, yellow-green sheet of metal, a few flashing lights and several reflectors might not sound like much of a defense, but to students and faculty members roaming the UA campus, these features could be a lifesaver.

Two new crosswalks were installed on campus during spring break; one in front of Gordon Palmer Hall on Hackberry Lane and the other on Campus Drive north of Publix.

The crosswalks feature four LEDs in a road-sign that blink when the crossing button is pushed and five reflectors built into the pavement. Kenneth Moncayo, assistant vice president of facilities, said the crosswalks cost about $20,000 a piece, but should serve students well.

"We really encourage the students to push the button, or the crosswalks are not getting used for what they were meant for," Moncayo said. "The lights are extremely powerful and can be seen on bright days. They really should improve pedestrian safety and just give another warning to cars that someone is about to walk across the street."

The new systems run on solar panels, require no energy costs and have seven- to 10-year lifespans.

Ronnie Robertson, director of transportation services, said the spots for the crosswalks were chosen on a basis of traffic and visibility.

"The area by Publix has speeds a little higher and a curve, and drivers tend to not pay as much attention to pedestrian traffic because it's not in the heart of campus. The one in front of Gordon Palmer was based on the amount of pedestrian traffic as well as vehicular traffic," Robertson said.

"There are a lot of cars parked on the sides of the road there and a lot of time it's hard to know whether someone is trying to cross, and I think this will really help out a lot with that. I wish we had enough money to put them everywhere."

Sarah Slay, a sophomore majoring in biology, said she thinks the new crosswalks will be especially helpful at night.

"At night people can't see people walking as well and it's more dangerous," she said. "I think the lights will be a lot safer at night, but that is a lot of money for just a crosswalk."

Ryan Summerford, a junior majoring in accounting, said as a driver it will be beneficial to have better warnings of people crossing the streets.

"My windows are tinted a little bit, and sometimes I have trouble seeing people walking across the street," he said. "I think it'll help me know someone's there and is about to walk out in front of me. All in all I think it's a good thing, even though the price seems high, the school's got [the money]."

JP Franco, a sophomore majoring in advertising, said when he is crossing a street on campus, he is "already expecting to get hit by a car," and is looking forward to the better security the crosswalks may offer.

"Now when I'm walking across the street I can stop muttering under my breath, 'Please don't hit me, please don't hit me.' Tuscaloosa drivers are crazy," he said. "People come flying at crosswalks and swerve around the pedestrians and it's just scary. I don't know what to expect so I just expect the worst."