New traffic signals safer, more inclusive
On Thursday, we learned the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) implemented a change to the pedestrian crossing activation process at intersections along Main Street in downtown Butler. Pedestrians will be required to push the call buttons at intersections to signal for traffic to stop so they can cross.
John Evans, Butler’s building code official, said Monday, June 5, that pressing the buttons will prompt a verbal cue, and the pedestrian signals will be added to the intersection’s traffic cycle.
“Before, the pedestrian signal would always come as part of the cycle,” Evans said. “Now, when you want the pedestrian cycle to engage you have to press the button. It's all programmed according to flow.”
However, Main’s face-lift is for more than just aesthetics.
“I think it’s purposeful,” said Butler resident Miranda Boring. “I think somebody put some thought to it. I think they’re trying to make it accessible and that improves downtown.”
The verbal cue is part of multiple Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features, such as a constant audible beeping tone that alerts pedestrians with visual impairments to the location of the call button.
While improving the look of Main Street to attract more business is a great thing, we especially applaud the inclusive nature of the improvements.
With updated looks come updated times. We are more aware of the importance of keeping those with any sort of impairment in mind now than we have ever been before. The upgrades to our crossing signals are just Butler’s latest example. It will ensure the safety of many of our fellow residents.
We commend everyone involved in making these changes happen on their efforts. This project was no small task, and we’re excited to see it coming to fruition.
— CM
