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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.B. 2012 Street Improvement Project – Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (2)4 ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CITY COUNCIL City Council Work Session: September 14, 2011 AGENDA ITEM: 2012 Street Improvement Project — A A S TIO Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities PREPARED BY: Andrew J. Brotzler, P.E., City EngineerkW, AGENDA NO.2,� ATTACHMENTS: WSB Memorandum APPROVED BY: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion BACKGROUND: At the August 16 City Council meeting, the preparation of the feasibility report for the 2012 Street Improvement Project was authorized. The project includes the proposed improvements to Shannon Parkway between 145`'' Street and County Road 42; and 145` Street between Shannon Parkway and Cameo Avenue. These improvements were deferred from the 2011 Street Improvement Project to the 2012 project. The deferment of the project included the continuance of discussions about the options for adding bike lanes with the project. At this time, Staff would like to review with Council for your consideration options for accommodating bicyclist on Shannon Parkway and 145 Street and options for constructing enhanced pedestrian crosswalks on 145 Street at Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue. The attached memorandum provides information related to options for on -road bicycle facilities on Shannon Parkway and 145` Street along with information and options for the pedestrian crosswalks on 145t Street at Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue. Bicycle Facilities On Shannon Parkway, it is proposed to continue the on -road bike lanes that were installed between McAndrews Road and 145t Street in 2010 south to County Road 42. Based on the existing road width and current "No Parking" restriction, the bike lanes can be extended similarly to the existing bike lanes on Shannon Parkway. For 145` Street between Shannon Parkway and Chippendale Avenue, again the existing road width and "No Parking" restriction will accommodate the striping of on -road bike lanes. On 145 Street between Chippendale Avenue and Cameo Avenue, due to the existing road width and allowance of on -street parking, three options are outlined for Council consideration. Options A and B would enhance the corridor for bicyclist without the need for restricting parking on this segment of 145` Street. Option C provides for the striping of a designated bike lane similar to the bike lane striped on Shannon Parkway between McAndrews Road and Connemara Trail in 2010. As discussed last year, consideration of Option C will require restricting parking to one side of G: \ENGPROJ \437 \201111914 CWS 2012 Street Improvement Project.does 145` Street only between Chippendale Avenue and Cameo Avenue. Pedestrian Crosswalk Facilities In the past, there have been several discussions about the crosswalks on 145`" Street at Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue. In fact, improvements to these crosswalks to add LED flashing crosswalk signs were included in a Safe Routes to School funding application in 2008. The attached memorandum outlines several options for enhancing these two crosswalk locations. This includes constructing curb "bump- outs" at the intersections to provide traffic calming and shorten the distance that pedestrians have to cross 145` Street. Also included is the installation of LED flashing crosswalk signs and in- pavement LED flashing lights which has been previously discussed. Recent installation of in- pavement LED flashing lights on 35W and in the city of Rochester indicate that the technology and installation methods have been adapted to function with winter snow plowing operations. As noted in the memorandum, the planning level estimated cost for the installation of LED flashing crosswalk signs and in- pavement LED flashing lights is $35,000 to $45,000 per crossing. This amount per crossing includes approximately $15,000 to $20,000 for LED flashing crosswalk signs depending on whether the signs are solar powered or 110V. Based on the cost for the in- pavement LED flashing lights and a yet to be determined funding source, another option that Council may want to consider is installing concrete crosswalks with a stamped color concrete edge and reflective tape similar to the crosswalks installed in the downtown area with the Waterford Commons project. The estimated cost for installing concrete crosswalks based on the Waterford Commons project is $7,000 per crosswalk. SUMMARY: Staff is requesting Council consideration and direction for a preferred option of bike facilities on 145` Street between Chippendale Avenue and Cameo Avenue. Should Option C which would reduce the on- street parking be determined to be the preferred option, it is suggested that a neighborhood public involvement process be discussed to present this options to the residents along 145` Street. While a final decision for the preferred option for pedestrian crosswalk facilities is not necessary until final design is authorized, it would be timely to determine an anticipated direction for options to include in the final feasibility report. G: \ENGPROJ \437 \20110914 CWS 2012 Street Improvement Project.doct 2 A Engineering ■ Planning ■ Environmental ■ Construction WSB Memorandum To: Andy Brotzler, P.E. Director of Public Works/ City Engineer City of Rosemount From: Reuben Collins, EIT Date: September 7, 2011 Re: 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement Options 145th Street & Shannon Parkway 701 Xenia Avenue South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Tel: 763 - 541 -4800 Fax: 763 - 541 -1700 BACKGROUND The City of Rosemount is proposing to perform a mill and overlay of the following roadway segments in 2012: Shannon Parkway between 145th Street and CSAH 42 145th Street between Shannon Parkway and Cameo Avenue As part of this project, the City has the opportunity to evaluate options for implementing the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan that was accepted by council in November 2010. This memorandum will provide an overview of the proposed improvements and the options available. SHANNON PARKWAY - 145TH STREET TO CSAH 42 No improvements for off - street cyclists or pedestrians are proposed at this time. There is an existing shared -use off - street path along the east side of Shannon Parkway that will remain in place. There is currently no off - street bicycle or pedestrian accommodations along the west side of Shannon Parkway. Construction of an off - street path along the west side of Shannon Parkway is identified in the pedestrian facility plan for future construction. After the mill and overlay is complete, the vehicle lanes will be reduced to a width of 11 feet to encourage compliance with the posted speed limit. All existing turn lanes will remain in place. Minor modifications are proposed to be made to the shoulder space to add bicycle lanes to the corridor. The overall roadway footprint will not be changed. Parking is not currently permitted along Shannon Parkway. Minneapolis ■ St. Cloud Equal Opportunity Employer The proposed bike lanes will terminate approximately 450 feet north of CSAH 42 to allow cyclists to merge with motorized traffic prior to the intersection of Shannon Parkway and CSAH 42. There is not sufficient width on Shannon Parkway at the intersection of 145th Street to allow the bicycle lanes to be continuous through the intersection while maintaining the existing turn lane. As a result, the northbound bike lane will be discontinued approximately 400 feet south of 145th Street. At the locations where the bike lane ends to accommodate the right turn lane, striping and shared lane markings will be used to direct cyclists to merge into the motorized traffic lanes, as shown on Figure 1 in the Appendix. This is similar to the existing striping and signing on Shannon Parkway at the intersection with Connemara Trail. 145TH STREET - SHANNON PARKWAY TO CHIPPENDALE AVENUE As part of the proposed roadway project along 145th Street between Shannon Parkway and Chippendale Avenue, an 8 foot off - street shared -use path is proposed to be constructed along the north side of the roadway. There is an existing off - street path or sidewalk along the south side of 145th Street that will remain in place. After the mill and overlay is complete, the travel lanes will be reduced in width from the existing 13 feet to 11 feet. Reducing the width of the traffic lanes is anticipated to encourage compliance with the posted speed limit and allow for the existing shoulders to be used to add bicycle lanes to the corridor. The overall roadway footprint will not be changed. Parking is not currently permitted along this portion of 145th Street. The westbound bicycle lane is proposed to terminate approximately 200 feet east of Shannon Parkway to maintain the existing right -turn lane. Striping and shared lane markings will be used to direct cyclists to merge into the motorized traffic lanes as shown in Figure 1 in the appendix. The eastbound bicycle lane will be terminated 600 feet west of Chippendale Avenue to accommodate the existing left -turn lane. Striping and shared lane markings will be used to direct cyclists to merge into the motorized traffic lanes (similar to the configuration shown at Shannon Parkway). 145TH STREET - CHIPPENDALE AVENUE to TH 3 Three options have been evaluated for Council consideration to enhance conditions for cyclists and pedestrians along 145th Street between Chippendale Avenue and TH 3. There are existing sidewalks along both the north and south sides of this portion of145th Street. These sidewalks will not be modified. There are no off - street bicycle facilities along this portion of 145th Street, and no paths are proposed. Parking is currently permitted on both the north and south side of 145th Street. 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street Page 2 9/7/2011 SOUTH NORTH R R/W 36' 30' 42' FF 3' 8' 13' 13' 8' 3' 8119 THRU THRU 14 ?�5' CONCRETE 5' CONCRETE "r, At WALK WALK FOG Lq STRIPE EXISTING STRIPING UNE Existing Lane Configuration - 145th Street To enhance conditions for pedestrians, bumpouts are proposed to shorten the crossing distance across 145th Street at Cameo Avenue and Canada Avenue. A new crosswalk is proposed across 145th Street on the east side of Cameo Avenue. In- pavement LED crosswalk lighting is proposed for two crosswalks - Canada Avenue and the western crosswalk at Cameo Avenue. Additional information on in- pavement LED lighting and LED signs at each crosswalk location is provided for Council consideration in the Appendix. Generally, each lighted crosswalk application will cost approximately $30,000 - $40,000. Conditions for on- street cyclists will be improved using a combination of signage, bike lanes, and /or shared lane markings. The three options identified for this portion of 145th Street are as follows: Option A - Signage Only Option B - Shared Lane Markings and Signage Option C - Bike Lanes and Signage (remove parking on south side of road) Option A: Signage Only This option would reduce the width of the traffic lanes from the existing 13 feet to 11 feet. The narrower traffic lanes would encourage compliance with the posted speed limit. All existing turn lanes would remain in the current configuration. Parking would remain on both sides of 145th Street. Bumpouts would be added on the north and south sides of the road at Cameo Avenue and Canada Avenue. Signage will be used to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the roadway. An example of this lane configuration between Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue is shown in Figure 2 in the Appendix. A larger -scale view of the proposed bumpouts are shown in Figure 3 in the Appendix. 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street Page 3 9/7/2011 SOUTH NORTH R R/W 36' 30' 42' FF Lw j t8L)VD ' 10' 11' 11' 10' 3' t` THRU THRU BLVD ti AL.- � ° 5' CONCRETE 5' CONCRETE � WALK WALK FOG LINE �FOG UNE STRIPE OPTION A L Option A - Cross Section r. Strengths: • Lowest cost option • Signs such as "BIKES MAY USE FULL LANE ", "SHARE THE ROAD ", or "BIKE ROUTE" will help give cyclists confidence to ride in the roadway and encourage motorists to exercise care when passing. 2012 Street Improvement Project Page 4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street 9/7/2011 Option A - Example of Typical Signage Drawbacks: Many cyclists will choose to ride on the sidewalks instead of in the roadway. Research has shown that bicycling on sidewalks can place cyclists in high -risk situations, especially when cyclists are riding against traffic. This option does not include any pavement markings directing cyclists where in the roadway they should ride. Inexperienced cyclists will often ride as far to the right as possible, putting themselves at risk in the "door zone" or encouraging motorists to pass unsafely. Many cyclists will choose to ride in the parking lane. In some cases, this is an acceptable practice when there aren't any cars in the parking lane. However, in this case, the bumpouts planned for Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue present safety concerns. Cyclists riding in the parking lane will have to swing into the roadway to get around the bumpouts (or any parked cars). Drivers may not be anticipating cyclists weaving in and out of the driving lanes. Cyclists using general purpose lanes will increase motorist travel time during semi - congested periods. Option B: Shared Lane Markings and Signage This option would re- stripe 145th Street to the same configuration as Option A, with the addition of shared lane markings. Parking would remain on both sides of 145th Street. Bumpouts would be added on the north and south sides of 145th Street at Cameo Avenue and Canada Avenue. Signage will be used to encourage cyclists and motorists to integrate in the roadway. This option is the same as Option A, other than the addition of Shared Lane Markings. An example of this lane configuration between Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue is shown in Figure 4 in the Appendix. Shared lane markings are typically used in locations where there is not sufficient room to stripe standard width bicycle lanes. These markings, also known as "sharrows" are placed in the roadway with the intent that cyclists will ride directly on top of the symbols. Unlike bicycle lanes, when cyclists are not present motorists are permitted to drive over the shared lane markings. Sharrows do not change the expectations or rules placed on cyclists or motorists. By definition, all motor vehicle lanes are "shared lanes." Sharrows have been shown to encourage predictable behavior from cyclists and motorists. Sharrows are intended to help cyclists exhibit the behavior that is already expected of them. For the past several years, there has been confusion about whether the use of shared lane markings is permitted on State Aid routes and an eligible use of State Aid funds. Shared Lane Markings were officially adopted and endorsed by the Federal Highway Administration in the December 2009 release of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). However, shared lane markings are not included in many local design guidelines that were published prior to December 2009. The Mn /DOT Metro District State Aid Office has recently provided clarification regarding State Aid policies and confirmed that shared lane markings are approved for use on State Aid routes at this time. 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street Page 5 9/7/2011 SOUTH NORTH R/W R/W 36' 30' 42' FF r 3' 10' 11' 11' 10' 3' � oL THRU THRU BLY9 "'•: j 5' CONCRETE 5' CONCRETE A t 9 WALK -, ,- WALK FOG UNE^ / VIZ STRIPE ` LFOG UNE SHARED LANE MARKING J `� SHARED LANE MARKING 12' FROM CURB .° OPTION B 12' FROM CURB Option B Shared Lane Marking Cross Section 15 Strengths: • Signs such as "BIKES MAY USE FULL LANE ", "SHARE THE ROAD ", or "BIKE ROUTE" will help give cyclists confidence to ride in the roadway and encourage motorists to exercise care when passing. • Shared Lane Markings will help inexperienced cyclists have the confidence to ride in the roadway, and will help cyclists position themselves safely within the shared lane. The expectations of where and how cyclists should ride are identical to Option A - the shared lane markings help cyclists to understand where they should be 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 14Sth Street Page 6 9/7/2011 '• I I riding. The markings will also encourage motorists to pass safely. Shared Lane Markings have been shown to discourage risky cyclist behaviors such as wrong -way riding, and riding in the "door zone ". Drawbacks: • Shared Lane Markings are a relatively new strategy. Some cyclists and motorists may not understand what the markings mean. • Cyclists may still choose to ignore the shared lane markings and ride on the sidewalks or in the parking lanes. • Cyclists using general purpose lanes will increase motorist travel time during semi - congested periods. • Shared lane markings require frequent re- striping, as they tend to wear away quickly from motor vehicle traffic. Option C: Bicycle Lanes and Signage This option would re- stripe 145th Street to include exclusive bicycle lanes a minimum of five feet wide. Parking would remain on the north side of 145th Street. Parking would not be allowed along the south side of 145th. Bumpouts would be added on the north side of 145th Street at Cameo Avenue and Canada Avenue. Signage will be used to indicate the presence of a bike lane. An example of this lane configuration between Canada Avenue and Cameo Avenue is shown in Figure 5 in the Appendix. The bike lanes will terminate at least 200 feet west of TH 3 to allow cyclists to merge into the motorized traffic lanes ahead of the intersection. SOUTH NORTH R R/W 36' 30' 42 FF 3' 6' 1 1 ' 71 ' 5' 9' 3' II BLVD BIK THRU THRU BIKE PARKING BLVD /■ 5' CONCRETE 5' CONCRETE I � ... wAUC 1 � - WALK FOG %-BIKE LANE UNE STRIPE FOG UNE OPTION C Option C - Bike Lane Cross Section 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street Page 7 9/7/2011 Option C - Typical Bike Lane Configuration Strengths: • Cyclists generally prefer bike lanes over shared lane markings under most circumstances. • Bike lanes provide reduced overall safety risks for cyclists compared to roadways without bike lines. • Signs such as "BIKE LANE" and standard bike lane pavement markings will indicate the presence of a bike lane. • Cyclists and motorists are generally more familiar with bike lanes than with shared lane markings. • Bike lanes encourage bicycle ridership more than shared lane markings (inexperienced cyclists feel safer in bike lanes than on roadways with shared lane markings). Bike lanes permit slower cyclists to ride at their desired pace (shared lane markings tend to be more attractive to faster cyclists than slower cyclists). Drawbacks: • Increased risk of right -hook crashes at driveways compared to shared lane markings, but reduced risk of right -hook crashes compared to sidewalk riding, and reduced overall risk compared to all other options. • Bike lanes and adjacent parking lanes must be fully cleared of snow for the bike lane to remain usable year -round and to avoid encroachment from parked vehicles. • Parking would be removed from one side of the roadway. • Bumpouts would be constructed on only one side of the street resulting in a larger crossing distance compared to Options A or B. 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 145th Street Page 8 9/7/2011 APPENDIX 2012 Street Improvement Project Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shannon Parkway and 14Sth Street APPENDIX 9/7/2011 ME kii E m E_ V W a � W z W O f O W o CO � W = of W ~ W n/ tl N O N - w3 d tl ,1 i \� E! � � .� \ \� §� w j AA ° —. . � � � � • . } � ; LL ! §| )§ !� a ��) |} |� 9 �} )% ` \ \\ § n- E m; § $ ƒ 2 Q� ,! \ \ Lo ~ | ! §| )§ !� a ��) |} . 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Merrtorandinn To: The Honorable Mayor, City Council and Staff c% Andy Brotzler From: Janelle Borgen, PE, PTOE Kevin Kawlewski, PE Date: September 2, 2011 701 Xenia Avenue South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Tel: 763 - 541 -4800 Fax: 763 - 541 -1700 Re: Pedestrian Crosswalk In- Pavement LED Markings and LED Crosswalk Signs The City of Rosemount is considering mill and overlay improvements with re- striping of lane configurations to accommodate bicycle traffic on both Shannon Parkway from 145 Street to CSAH 42 and also along 145 Street from Shannon Parkway to TH 3. The improvements proposed for consideration include the installation of in- pavement LED lighted crosswalks and LED enhanced crosswalk signs at the intersections of Cameo Avenue and Canada Avenue on 145 Street. This memo presents a summary of the installation and maintenance procedures along with anticipated costs associated with these facilities. Pedestrian Crosswalk In- Pavement LED Summary of Situation The 145 Street corridor is a primary access point into the downtown area. The area contains multiple sidewalk and trail facilities and presents a substantial amount of pedestrian traffic into the area. This area is also identified in the City's Safe Routes to School Program which presents heightened concerns with children using the crosswalk areas. With the on- street bicycle lanes currently proposed along 145 Street, motorists will need to be even mo aware of the shared usage in the corridor. A pedestrian activated, active in -sign and in- pavement flashing LED system has been identified as a viable application to provide drivers with pedestrian presence information. Summary of the Proposed System The proposed system is designed to warn motorists they are approaching an active pedestrian crossing either occupied by pedestrians or about to be occupied by pedestrians and bicyclists. The system includes three primary components: a 10 -LED lighted, bi- directional system, and blinker signs. Discussions with vendors have revealed that use of Optical Motion Sensor's can result in false triggers of the system and the vendor recommends the use of beam activated sensors mounted on bollards in the crosswalk area. These sensors cost about $6,000 for each application. Minneapolis e St. Cloud Equal Opportunity Employer Pedestrian Crosswalk In- Pavement LED Markings September 2, 2011 Page 2 Operations Summary The beam activated sensors detect movement in the pedestrian ramp area which then activates the blinker signs and the in- pavement LED's. The pedestrian then enters the crosswalk. Drivers will be alerted to the pedestrian entering the crosswalk by the Blinker signs and the in- pavement LED's. An image from the driver's viewpoint is presented below. In- Pavement LED Installation Procedures It is recommended that the installation of the LED system equipment be outsourced to a contractor. A high -level summary of the installation procedures has been included to educate readers on the contractor's responsibilities. • Mark the locations of the In- pavement LED's • Core drill 1- 8" dia. by 3.5" depth void at each marking • Saw cut 1 -3/8" x 3" deep slot connecting the in- pavement LED voids to each other and connect into the push button pedestals. • Insert the wiring and equipment into the voids • Apply the epoxy • Let epoxy cure for 8 -15 minutes • Connect the system to power • Test for operations The vendor will provide on -site installation support. Pedestrian Crosswalk In- Pavement LED Markings September 2, 2011 Page 3 Please note that the source of power installation will have to be performed by a licensed electrician and approved by the state electrical inspector. Installation Cost LED System Equipment A planning level cost estimate for the standard system equipment, a 5 year warranty, vendor on- site support during installation and contractor installation is $35,000 with the beam activated sensors as previously discussed. System options will continue to be evaluated during design and may increase the cost. Power The proposed systems are being considered with either solar power or a hard wired connection from the permanent power facilities in the corridor. A planning level cost estimate for power installation is as follows: • 110V — The price listed previously includes the use of a 110 volt power source that would need to be provided at each location. This would typically require the installation of a drop service and pad mounted transformer which can cost from $2,500 to $3,000. • Solar — The installation of a solar power source results in additional $4,000 onto the base price listed under the "Installation Cost" discussion. It should be noted that the power source will need to be provided at each site by the City if permanent power facilities are elected. ADA Compliance An assessment of the crosswalk for compliance with current ADA standards should be performed and any costs associated with upgrading to meet current ADA standards have not been identified as part of the development of this memorandum. Operational Cost The system has a life expectancy of 10 -15 years as reported by the vendor. The on -going operational cost includes the power required to run the system. It is envisioned that power will be provided by an in -place power service as described previously. Monthly power usage and costs will vary depending on the source of power installed with the system. Maintenance Summary City staff should be able to perform the maintenance of the system. The vendor provides support for the first five years of the system. During that time it is recommended that City staff be trained on system maintenance and participate in the maintenance activities. Maintenance Costs Equipment maintenance and replacement for the first 5 years is covered under the warranty. From years 6 -15, 7% of capital cost ($2,500) can be used for an annual maintenance budget for each system installed. Warranty A full 5 year warranty is included in the cost of the system. Pedestrian Crosswalk In- Pavement LED Markings September 2, 2011 Page 4 Case Study The City of Rochester installed a similar system in May 2011. The local paper did a nice article and in general they have received positive feedback from residents. Rochester has not yet experienced a winter with the system and therefore has not encountered any problems with snow plowing. Because of the installation process, it is anticipated that snow plowing activities should not impact the system. A copy of the article is attached for the Council's review. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has installed in- pavement lighting LED's on 35W. The in- pavement LED's have lasted through several winters with plowing operations. However, early on the system ran into some wiring issues and connections had to be redone. Further problems have not been encountered since the wiring concerns were resolved. In speaking with a Minnesota Department of Transportation representative, in pavement LED's work. However, close attention must be given to the installation process. THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011 PostBulletin IF IT MATTERS TO YOU, IT MATTERS TO US PUBLIC SAFE I Y s- le9e q0 Lighted crosswalks to alert drivers By Jeffrey Pieters jpieters@postbulletin.com Where signs and painted lines hate been little help, maybe this is a brighter idea to make a Rochester street cross- ing safer. Flashing lights embedded in the pave- ment will call drivers' attention to two crosswalks on Civic Center Drive at First Street Southeast near Mayo Civic Center. City crews have been installing the light system this week. They hope to have it operating by next week. "We'll give it a try and see how it works," said Gary Shannon, city traffic engineer. The lights are yellow LEDs, housed in f=inch steel and plastic cans, activated by buttons on curbside posts. You'll press the button when you want to cross the street. These light systems have been installed at busy street crossings in tour- ist cities in Florida and Nevada — "they seem to work well," Shannon said — but none so far in Minnesota. "The problem seems to be, when you put it on the streets. the weather works on it," Shannon said. The system also is potentially vulnerable to damage from traffic, including snowplows, he said. But after the product vendor, Traffic and Parking Control Co., Inc., offered the system with a five -year warranty and at a discounted price of $30,000, city officials concluded it was worthwhile to try it A state grant for pedestrian safety is covering the city's cost. They'll be watching to see how it helps and how it lasts, and so will Nancy Klema, traffic operations engineer with the Rochester office of the state Depart- ment of Transportation. Depending how it works, similar light systems could be installed at other street crossings. A road like Civic Center Drive, five lanes wide without a median island and with heavy traffic. "needs to add something like this" to make it safer, Klema said. Stories of close calls abound, but no one interviewed for this story recalls a time when a pedestrian was struck by a car near the Civic Center. But there have been other times when cars stopped for pedestrians and were themselves rear -ended by another car, said Brad Jones, who heads the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He simply advises visitors to use the skyway between the Civic Center and downtown hotels. At's just that much safer," Jones said. The street is "kind of a dangerous area. We've often feared that we have a convention or event group in town, and they get hit." There aren't statistics to show that having lights in the crosswalk is safer, but "intuitively, it's got to be," Klema said. It "increases the motorists' aware- ness that somebody is going to step out in the crosswalk," she said. A push -button system is the prefer- able kind, she said. Drivers get used to lights that simply flash all the time, and eventually ignore them. This week's work on Civic Center Drive, involving 10 or more workers and a battery of orange cones, was hard to ignore. Workers installed the system by cutting a couple of three- inch -deep trenches across the street — that's only about halfway into the concrete — and laying wires in them from the curb to the light fixtures. The wires carry electricity and signals to the lights. All of the wires and equipment are sealed under an epoxy compound to protect them from weather and traffic. Despite adding the new system, it's still important, Shannon said, for people to be careful crossing the street. Scott Jacobson I sjacobson@postbulletin.com A Rochester Public Works crew installs roadway crosswalk lighting on Civic Center Drive in front of the Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Civic Theatre on Wednesday.