The City of Twin Falls will install new pedestrian crossing beacons at the intersection of Harrison Street and Orchard Drive on Thursday, Feb. 13. The lighted beacons are expected to improve visibility of students and pedestrians who are crossing Orchard Drive.
No roads or lanes will be closed during installation of the pedestrian crossing beacon; however, vehicle traffic is asked to reduce speed and watch for workers in the area. Installation of the pedestrian crossing beacon is expected to completed by end-of-day Thursday.
The pedestrian crossing beacon is a solar powered signal, which is activated when pedestrians push the crossing button. When activated, the signal’s lights flash, indicating that all vehicles must stop until pedestrians have left the crosswalk.
In addition to installing the new pedestrian crossing beacon, the City is working on right-of-way agreements with adjacent land owners to extend the sidewalks from Orchard Drive to South Hills Middle School. And the City is working with the Twin Falls Highway District, which maintains the roadway, to remove vegetation that may be a sight obstruction for drivers.
Recent traffic data indicates that some drivers continue to exceed the 35 mph speed limit, which is in place to protect both pedestrians and drivers along Harrison Street. Twin Falls Police will increase their presence in the area to enforce the speed limit.