Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano’s Department of Public Works this past week took steps to make a pedestrian crossing on East Green Bay Street more obvious to motorists.
The crossing previously had only a warning sign in the middle of the four lanes designating it for pedestrian right-of-way.
This week, additional signs outlined with flashing lights went up on either side of the street.
Pedestrians using the crosswalk will also find a container of red flags that they can carry with them across the street to get the attention of motorists. They then deposit the flag in the container on the other side.
“These were attempts to try and make that crossing more visible and make it a safer crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists,” City Administrator Brian Knapp said.
The crosswalk, located just west of Lakeland Road near Woodlawn Cemetery, traverses a four-lane state highway that is perhaps the busiest street in Shawano.
Knapp said the lighted signs, which cost $1,200 apiece, were something he saw in Marshfield.
“I thought they might work here,” he said.
State statutes require motorists to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and uncontrolled intersections. They must also yield to a person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistant mobility device.
Police recently announced they would be more aggressive in enforcing that law.
City officials have long been concerned about the East Green Bay Street crosswalk, which is part of the Mountain Bay Trail.
The city has been applying annually since 2007 for grant money that could make the crosswalk safer and has been denied every year.