Improvements to the pedestrian crossing lights at Highway 120 and Elizabeth Avenue, at the eastern entrance to town, are being done this week in Escalon.
City Engineer John Abrew said the work is a cooperative effort of the city and Heaps Electric, in conjunction with Caltrans. The in-ground pedestrian safety lights are being upgraded.
"The project includes new LED lights in the road," explained Engineering Department tech Phil Tapia. "We also will have flashing beacons overhead and there will be an audible beep for the visually impaired."
The beep will let those with sight problems know that the lights are operational.
Abrew said they were hoping to have all the in-pavement work done on Tuesday, but will likely be continuing to work on the project throughout the week, with some traffic delays possible in that area.
"We have the money," Abrew said of doing the repairs, upgrades and improvements to the system. "It was part of an approved budget, money that was set aside."
The city has long wanted to update the pedestrian crosswalk system, with the new lights much more visible to motorists. Tapia said once they have completed the work at Elizabeth and Highway 120, they will take some time to evaluate the effectiveness of the lights. If they are satisfied, the same type of system could be installed at the other pedestrian crossing, near the high school and Heritage House senior complex, across from the Community Center.
City Engineer John Abrew said the work is a cooperative effort of the city and Heaps Electric, in conjunction with Caltrans. The in-ground pedestrian safety lights are being upgraded.
"The project includes new LED lights in the road," explained Engineering Department tech Phil Tapia. "We also will have flashing beacons overhead and there will be an audible beep for the visually impaired."
The beep will let those with sight problems know that the lights are operational.
Abrew said they were hoping to have all the in-pavement work done on Tuesday, but will likely be continuing to work on the project throughout the week, with some traffic delays possible in that area.
"We have the money," Abrew said of doing the repairs, upgrades and improvements to the system. "It was part of an approved budget, money that was set aside."
The city has long wanted to update the pedestrian crosswalk system, with the new lights much more visible to motorists. Tapia said once they have completed the work at Elizabeth and Highway 120, they will take some time to evaluate the effectiveness of the lights. If they are satisfied, the same type of system could be installed at the other pedestrian crossing, near the high school and Heritage House senior complex, across from the Community Center.
