KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — New safety measures are set to be installed at 75 intersections throughout the city of Kalamazoo with support from a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The funding will help add audible pedestrian speakers and improve crosswalk markings at 40 signalized intersections and install backplates and span wire tethers at 44 intersections. The grant funding is provided through the Highway Safety Improvement program and covers 90% of the $416,526 total cost of both projects.
“Every project is an opportunity to implement Kalamazoo’s complete streets commitment and make changes that improve safety, accessibility, and equity in our local transportation network,” explained the Public Works Division Manager for the City of Kalamazoo, Anthony Ladd. “With this grant funding we can extend some of these really significant safety and accessibility improvements beyond where we have larger-scale construction happening this year.”
Audible pedestrian speakers will be added at 40 intersections that currently have visual pedestrian signals only. Audible pedestrian signals provide the same information indicated by the visual signals and make crossing safer for all users, especially those who are blind or visually impaired.
“Audible signals were not as widely used when many of our pedestrian signals were originally installed,” Ladd continued, “so we are taking this opportunity to ‘retrofit’ 40 signals that are visual-only right now to improve accessibility and safety for everyone.”
Locations were chosen based on the conditions at each intersection, considering traffic volume, configuration, and use.
Installation is scheduled to begin later this month and will occur throughout the summer. There will be minimal impact to traffic during installation.
A list of intersections to receive improvements can be found here.
