Victoria Asks for Funding to Improve Pedestrian Safety
We've seen numerous cases of pedestrians getting hit by cars here in Victoria lately, some resulting in fatalities. In order to improve safety for people walking or riding bicycles, the City of Victoria has asked the state for money specifically for projects specifically along Navarro and Houston Highway.
Yesterday, city councilors approved two applications to the Texas Department of Transportation for a Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside, which pays for pedestrian walking and biking projects. The proposed projects would include 5 foot wide sidewalks and ramps on Navarro Street between Airline Road and Crestwood Drive, and traffic signal upgrades to include pedestrian signals with safe crossing countdowns.
The other project would be similar, and would be along Houston Highway between Laurent and Ben Wilson Streets.
Of course, no mater how many crosswalks and signals are putt in operation, pedestrians need to be sure to use them. It's worth walking an extra block or two to be sure you're in a safe place to cross the street.
Divers also need to be alert to the fact that some pedestrians don't always use crosswalks, and may try crossing a busy street at any time.