Ann Arbor sees urgent need for pedestrian signal on Huron at YMCA but has no money
The City of Ann Arbor would like to install a pedestrian-activated traffic crosswalk signal on Huron Street to allow safer access across the street for patrons of the YMCA, but there's no money in the budget at the moment.
The proposed City of Ann Arbor draft Capital Improvements Plan for fiscal year 2011 to 2016 has an unfunded urgent priority $100,000 project for 2012 for a HAWK ("High intensity Activated crossWalK") signal at the intersection of Huron with Third and Chapin streets. Besides safer access to the Y, the signal would improve safety for pedestrians going to and from Lurie Terrace.
The project, called TR-AT-10-17, had been scheduled to be funded for 2012 at a cost of $100,000 as part of the 2010-2015 Alternative Transportation portion of the Capital Improvements Project plan. The most recent proposed plan, however, includes no funding for the project.
The video below shows a HAWK signal in place in Portland, Ore., being used to provide pedestrian and bicycle safe crossings on a busy street. Portland was listed as #1 on the 2008 Popular Science America's 50 Greenest Cities, a ranking which had Ann Arbor as 24th.
Edward Vielmetti always turns right at the corner of Third and Huron when leaving the YMCA. Reach him at 734-330-2465.
Comments
Common Sense
Thu, Aug 4, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
Perhaps our City leaders should consider re-directing ALL of the money for the City Hall art work, and other non-essential projects, etc. and use the money for the signal at the YMCA. Do it NOW and not after someone "gets injured or killed"!!!!
Adam Jaskiewicz
Mon, Mar 8, 2010 : 6:15 p.m.
I once stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, and they were almost past my car when another car came up behind me, swerved into the other lane, and zipped past me right in front of her. Luckily, the she was still in front of me, or it would have ended a little more dramatically than her stopping short and giving me a wide-eyed look.
TruthInNews
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 12:22 p.m.
false: Ann Arbor needs this signal. truth: there are much more important aspects of the city budget that require additional funds. Its cool, but its a luxury we do not need at this time. Truth. In. News.
spm
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.
I hardly see anyone comply with the pedestrian crosswalks - on Plymouth or anywhere else. I comply, but if there are two lanes most people just zoom past me in the second lane so the pedestrian still can't get across. Unless police start to monitor crosswalks better this situation won't improve.
John Hritz
Thu, Feb 11, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.
What is the compliance at the pedestrian island near the Islamic Center on Plymouth Rd? That location has multiple signs, lighting and flashers. Probably didn't cost 100k (not counting the two people who lost there lives prior to the change).
michela
Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.
I hope they can scrounge up funding for this project. It is desperately needed. I dread driving down Huron past Chapin street in the early evening--there are always people attempting to cross in heavy traffic, often with children. I remember one time I was going east on Huron when a woman with her elementary-age daughter stepped out into the road in front of the car ahead of me. Luckily, they stepped back in time. Trying to cross myself on foot, I've had to run to find a break between cars. Terrifying!