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~I L~7ii/~JI~~!t!7~ <br /> ~~rL¦I7/.rlL <br /> March 25, 1998 <br /> CONTACT: Gary Ludeke, City Traffic Engineer, 682-5237 . <br /> From Public Information Section, 682-5523 <br /> FQR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> III' NEW SIGNAL ON PATTERSON RESPONDS TO SAFETY CONCERNS <br /> A crew from the Eugene Public Works Department today turned on a new traffic signal on <br /> Patterson Street south of 19`h Avenue that will make it safer far the hundreds of people who cross the <br /> st~teet each day between South Eugene High School and the YMCA. <br /> The new signal is apedestrian-activated type that stops traffic on Patterson when a pedestrian <br /> pushes the walk button. Signs and street markings have been installed on Patterson to alert motorists <br /> <br /> ~r to the new signal and show them where to stop when the light is red. Local residents urged the City <br /> to'~,increase pedestrian safety following an accident at the much-used crossing last fall. Public Works <br /> caws in August 1994 installed a raised crosswalk designed to slow traffic, but recent studies showed <br /> that increases in traffic volume on Patterson left very few safe gaps for pedestrians to cross the street <br /> in ahe long stretch between 19`'' and 24`'' avenues. <br /> Installing the signal cost less than $10,000 - a fraction of what it typically costs to put in a <br /> neiw traffic light. The original raised crosswalk design included conduit for a future signal, <br /> significantly reducing the cost of the current project. The City also was able to keep costs down by <br /> using salvaged signal equipment. A maintenance crew from the Public Works Transportation <br /> Division did the installation work, allowing a quicker response than if the City had to bid the project. <br /> Pnhlir NAlnrke • Ariminictratinn . ~itv nt Fnnona . RFR Paarl . FunenP OR 97481-2727. Phone- (5411 682-5262 • FAX (541) 682-6826 <br /> <br />