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University meets with TxDot to discuss crosswalks

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce Facilities Director David McKenna says the university is working to improve the safety of its crosswalks.

Those words come after a meeting with the Texas Department of Transportation Friday morning. Last Tuesday, two students were injured while attempting to cross the street in front of Whitely Hall, near the intersection of W Neal and Culver Streets. Friday's meeting, however, had been planned before the incident, and not as a result, according to McKenna.

He says both the university and TxDot are looking into at least three measures to enhance the safety of not only at the Culver St. crosswalk, but the one along Highway 50 as well. One of those ideas could be put into play as early as this week.

Craig Miser is the Area Engineer with TxDot. He says the university is considering adding rumble strips to the streets to alert drivers as they approach the crosswalks from either side, as well as installing pedestrian activated signals - controlled by the push of a button - to alert drivers of a person's intentions of crossing the street.

Both crosswalks were installed several years ago, and over the years crews have further enhanced the painted area, provided flashing lights on both sides, plus caution signs.