By Mary Lou Hazal
Commerce – A pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk warning system at Texas A&M University-Commerce's Whitley Hall and another at the crosswalk with Highways 24/50 are expected to be ready by mid-September.
The installation of the crosswalks is the result of several months of work by A&M-Commerce officials, City of Commerce, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
As of Aug. 15, A&M-Commerce was finalizing details with thecity, TxDOT, and awaiting TxDOT approval, Executive Director of Facilities David McKenna said.
A&M-Commerce officials have been concerned about safety at the crosswalks. "I am very pleased that the university will be making this important improvement to the pedestrian crosswalks on Highway 50 and Culver Street," A&M-Commerce President Dan Jones said.
"The safety and security of our students are paramount concerns, and these warning systems will provide an additional margin of protection for everyone who crosses these roadways," Jones said.
The A&M-Commerce Department of Risk Management has been holding crosswalk training sessions during summer orientation, according to McKenna. Drivers and students have been noticing the rumble strips installed on Culver Street across from Whitley Hall earlier this summer that are intended to warn drivers to slow down and that pedestrians have the right of way in the crosswalk, he said.