Austin illuminates northern city intersection in pedestrian safety pilot

Kelsey Thompson
·2 min read

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is collecting feedback on a new safety pilot designed to improve pedestrian safety and visibility in a north Austin neighborhood.

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department launched crosswalk upgrades at the intersection of Shoal Creek Boulevard and Treadwell Boulevard, near the Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park. The project incorporated extra lighting along with specialty crosswalk markings that have an illuminator, which activates while a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
  • The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)
    The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is operating a safety pilot project along Shoal Creek Boulevard at the intersection of Treadwell Boulevard. (Courtesy: Austin Transportation and Public Works Department)

The upgrades come amid national data pointing to the staggering number of pedestrian fatalities that happen at nighttime in the U.S. Research from the Federal Highway Administration found roughly 76% of all pedestrian traffic fatalities nationally happen in the evening, with further research noting additional lighting can reduce pedestrian fatalities by 42%.

Those interested in giving feedback on the pilot project can do so online. A spokesperson said Tuesday city officials will be collecting feedback from the public through mid-to-late July.

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