Safe crossing in Ephrata

New crosswalk increases pedestrian safety

EPHRATA — Pedestrians moving back and forth across C Street SW after entering or exiting the Grant County Public Utility District's headquarters in Ephrata have been braving a mid-block crosswalk for years.

Now, additional safety has arrived for those making the trip across the street with the installation of a LightGuard Crosswalk Warning System.

A strip of lights embedded into the pavement on both sides of the crosswalk flicker to warn oncoming traffic as pedestrians prepare to cross the street. The system is triggered by sensors built into bollards that detect the presence of pedestrians.

The PUD's administrative safety committee recommended the system be installed after a committee member saw the crosswalk device at work in Seattle, said Gail Johnson, a programmer analyst at the PUD who also serves on the committee.

The new system cost the PUD $15,000 and was installed after several close calls between pedestrians and cars, said communication supervisor Sarah Morford.

She said the crosswalk is heavily used by the approximately 200 PUD employees working in the headquarters office building as well as others who stop by to pay their bill or tend to other business. The crosswalk leads directly to and from the main entrance, which provides one of the few access points in or out of the building.

Quincy City Administrator Tim Snead said his community has had one of the crosswalk systems for the last few years after the state of Washington paid to have one installed. The system in Quincy, he said, helps students cross Highway 28 on their way to and from Quincy Junior High and High School.

"It's been a good deal, safety wise," Snead said. "You really notice those lights when they start blinking."

He said the city was not planning to buy one, but said it would certainly allow the state to fund another one or two more.

Morford said Ephrata was interested in having the system installed on Basin Street NW to help pedestrians safely cross near Sun Basin Plaza.

"We've talked about it," said Wes Crago, Ephrata's city administrator. "While it's a cool thing, we don't have the money for that," he said, adding the mayor and city council have not determined such a system is necessary at this time.