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Office of the Mayor

WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

City Hall P.O. Box B Woonsocket, RI 02895

Telephone (401) 767-9205 Fax (401) 765-4569 E-Mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2018

Contact: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: 401-767-9205

CITY ANNOUNCES FLASHING LIGHT PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNALS

TO BE INSTALLED AT TWO MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt is pleased to announce the installation of two crossing signals/beacons to be located in the front of Kennedy Manor on Clinton Street and also at the entry of The Stadium Theatre on Main Street.

The signals utilize a series of high intensity, rapidly flashing amber colored lights to alert motorists to the presence of a person located within a marked crosswalk. Signals will be installed at Kennedy Manor beginning next Monday, January 29th and in front of The Stadium Theatre during mid-February.

"Hopefully, the installation of the beacons will be beneficial to pedestrians and help to reduce some of the traffic-related concerns," stated Mayor Baldelli-Hunt. "My Administration is always looking to indentify and implement new creative ways to provide for the safety of pedestrians citywide."

The signals will be furnished at no cost to the City and installed by the City’s Highway Department on a 90-day trial basis. The Department of Public Works and its Engineering Division have been working with Coastal Traffic, Inc. and Carmanah Technologies Corporation for the design and installation of this visual warning system. During the trial period, the City’s Departments of Public Works and Public Safety along with other City agencies will assess the success of the equipment and compliance of vehicles. The units are solar powered, hence eliminating the electricity cost of operation. The units are triggered to turn on when a pedestrian pushes its button.

"I encourage all pedestrians to continue to exercise reasonable care to ensure their safety when using all crosswalks," noted Michael Debroisse, Superintendent of Solid Waste/Engineering.

According to Carmanah Techologies, these units provide a 96 percent driver compliance rate as compared to only 20 percent for a painted crosswalk.

"I wish to thank Michael Debroisse for spearheading what I’m hopeful will be a successful endeavor," concluded Mayor Baldelli-Hunt.

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