Crosswalk improvements coming soon to West Broadway intersection
The MKT to Parkade Bike Boulevard Project is scheduled to start in spring 2017, according to Ted Curtis, bicycle pedestrian coordinator.
“We’re doing it for safety,” he said. “It’s to get a safe area for people who ride bikes and encourage more bike traffic.”
The $550,000 project was approved by city council in June 2014. It includes improvements to four intersections and pavement marking from the MKT trial to the Parkade Plaza.
One of intersections scheduled for improvements is at Broadway and Aldeah Avenue. Right now, there is a painted crosswalk at the intersection, but some residents told ABC 17 News it’s difficult and dangerous to use.
Some residents who live on Aldeah Avenue said they’ll walk up to Garth Avenue to use the crosswalk signal.
Curtis said the project includes adding a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB).
“Somebody pushes the button and a bright strobe flashes,” he said. “We’re going to have one of those to warn traffic that if someone’s out there, you’re supposed to stop. So it’ll be a pretty visible intersection.”
According to crash data compiled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Columbia Police have responded to at least four crashes at the intersection over the past five years. None of those crashes involved pedestrians and there were no reported injuries.
