Here are some enhanced safety features I think need to be considered before students are permitted to walk to Willow Lane Elementary next year.

Here is a link to the walkability study conducted by PA safe routes to school. The study makes dozens of recommendations which in my opinion should be considered the bare minimal acceptable improvements to the three designated walking routes. I would like to see the following additional enhanced safety features considered by both township and district officials in an effort to go above and beyond the bare minimum. 

1. Lighted LED crosswalks similar to ones installed on Main. Street in Macungie.

Lights are embedded in the pavement on both sides of the crosswalk and oriented to face oncoming traffic. When the pedestrian activates the system by using a push-button, the lights flash warning motorists that a pedestrian is in the vicinity of the crosswalk ahead. These should be installed where appropriate at the busiest intersections.
Cost: starting at $5,000 and up per system

2. Stalker Boards in conjuction with flashing 15 MPH school zone signage.

Stalker boards are electronic signs that display the speed of motorists as they drive past a point. Completely self contained these units are proven to significantly reduce speeds in school zones. These should be used in conjuction with flashing yellow lights and 15mph zones. (See photo)
Cost: Starting at $6,000 and up per system

3. Raised crosswalk/Pedestrian Medians

At crossing points where guards will not be located on connector roads and interior driveways on district property raised cross walks or pedestrian refuges should be installed as a traffic calming and pedestrian safety device. 
Cost: Raised Crosswalk-starting at $2,500 per raised crosswalk.

For those interested in LMT's plans for safety features in the Willow Lane Elementary corridor please consider attending the Public Safety Commission this Tuesday at 7pm. There is an opportunity for public comment at each meeting. The location is the township municipal building 3400 Brookside Rd. First building on the left before the library.

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