Efforts are underway to make the crosswalk in front of the Ferndale Public Library (map below) safer for pedestrians with city council approval of awarding the contract to low-bidder, Stremler Gravel of Lynden.
Soon after the library opened, pedestrians and drivers began reporting that people in the crosswalk were not visible and traffic was not yielding to pedestrians waiting to enter the crosswalk. Some reasons cited included the crosswalk being on both a slight bend and rise in the road.
Work includes installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Crosswalk Warning System, removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk and ADA ramps and paving. Stremler’s bid was for just over $108,000.
The completed project will provide for a crosswalk with manually activated lights (beacons) and a refuge island in the middle. Pedestrians will be able to activate the flashing lights to alert vehicles of their presence in the crosswalk.
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Click for more informationFerndale city staff reported that vehicles yielding to pedestrians rose from below 20% to over 80% at crosswalks upgraded using the RRFBs.
The city reports Phillips 66 has donated $20,000 for this project.
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