Pedestrian safety improvements to the intersection of Rosedale Road and Mya Drive, opposite the Educational Testing Service campus, may be on the way.
Mercer County officials have proposed creating a striped crosswalk and the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety at the intersection.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail runs along Mya Drive and crosses Rosedale Road at the intersection. The trail continues onto the Educational Testing Service campus.
The striped crosswalk and pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons would be installed by Mercer County and maintained by Lawrence Township.
The Lawrence Township Council approved a resolution of support for the proposed improvements, which will better delineate the crossing. The flashing lights will alert motorists to the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the road.
Motorists tend to drive faster than the 45-miles-per-hour speed limit and may not be able to see pedestrians or bicyclists from a distance, Mercer County Planning Director Maria Connolly wrote to Lawrence Township officials.
“There are also concerns of a driver stopping for cyclists and pedestrians, and vehicles behind that vehicle possibly attempting to go around the stopped vehicle,” Connolly wrote.
Vehicles may attempt to pass on the shoulder area and may not see the pedestrians or bicyclists, she wrote. Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at an intersection, regardless of the presence or lack of a marked crosswalk.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail is an invaluable asset to Mercer County residents and visitors, Connolly wrote. It provides access to homes, schools, parks, local businesses, local institutions and preserved open space.
“Safety is of paramount importance and we feel these improvements will help our mission to the public,” Connolly wrote to Lawrence Township officials.
