Strobes to make walking a little safer in Waynesboro

December 03, 2009|By JENNIFER FITCH

WAYNESBORO, Pa. -- The Borough of Waynesboro is receiving some unexpected help in improving pedestrian safety.

Flashing strobe lights will be installed at three downtown crosswalks thanks to behind-the-scenes work of Dave Rock and Stuart Honodel, employees of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 8. The lights and their installation come at no cost to the borough.

"They felt it was important to have them in town because of the rash of incidents we had," Borough Engineer Kevin Grubbs said in making the announcement.

The borough has had approximately 50 pedestrian accidents since January 2004, according to published reports.

Grubbs talked to the Waynesboro Borough Council about the "rectangular, rapid-flashing beacons" at the council's meeting Wednesday.

"They are very bright," Grubbs said. "It's a strobe installed on a pole."

Grubbs said the lights are triggered when a pedestrian steps onto the portion of the curb cut away for wheelchair access.

The company manufacturing the new systems wanted to partner with PennDOT to do some sample projects, and Rock and Honodel felt Waynesboro would benefit, he said.

Main Street crosswalks at the library, Mulberry Avenue and Cleveland Avenue are set to receive the lights.

"They are trying to get us a fourth set at Walnut Street," Grubbs said.

Mayor Richard Starliper questioned whether the lights would be better used in front of Waynesboro Hospital, rather than Cleveland Avenue.

Grubbs said PennDOT thought downtown would best benefit, but he said hospital officials have already discussed making improvements there.

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