Redlands Awarded Grant to Install Pedestrian Safety Beacons

The City of Redlands has been awarded a $270,270 grant for the installation of pedestrian crosswalk beacons at eight locations primarily in the downtown area. The funding is part of Caltrans’ HSIP Cycle 7 grants and requires a City match of $30,030. The locations include five intersections along Redlands Boulevard, at Fifth, Seventh, Ninth, State and Clark streets; Orange Street at Shoppers Lane; Cajon and Vine streets; and Citrus Avenue at Central Avenue. The beacons will be placed at uncontrolled intersections and the locations are chosen based on accident history and pedestrian safety. The flashing beacons are pedestrian activated installations with signs on either side of the road or mounted on an overhead mast arm facing drivers in each direction. Flashing lights are designed to attract motorists’ attention to the presence of pedestrians. Signs warn pedestrians to wait until cars come to a stop before entering the intersection. Similar beacons have been previously installed at the intersections of Olive Avenue and Michigan Street; Fern Avenue and Nannette Street; Pennsylvania Avenue near Orange Street; Cypress Avenue near Cope Middle School; Highland Street near Moore Middle School and San Bernardino Avenue near Clement Middle School. City staff applied for the Caltrans grant in July and were notified of the award on Dec. 3.