In the interest of public safety, the National Roads Authority (NRA) has installed two pedestrian crosswalks, one on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and the other on West Bay road.

Premier Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly and Minister responsible for the National Roads Authority thanked all the parties involved in the project and said she pleased that the crosswalks were up and running. “The Government is always looking for ways to improve safety on our roads, both pedestrians and drivers and these crosswalks are one of the ways to enhance public safety and improve the experience of all who use our roads,” she said.

Motorists should be aware of the new crosswalks and exercise caution when approaching them. Flashing LED fluorescent yellow signs and in road LED lighting are activated when pedestrians press the button. Advance pedestrian crossing ahead warning signs are installed 360ft away from each crosswalk.

The design is exactly like the one that was installed by the Strand Shopping Centre earlier this year, which incorporates a flashing LED fluorescent yellow sign to be activated by pedestrians, as well as a 24hr advance warning flashing yellow beacon to alert motorists to the presence of the crosswalk. It has been installed following the 2010 review on ways to improve pedestrian safety on West Bay Road.

These crosswalks require pedestrians to press a button before proceeding to cross the road. The yellow flashing lights will then begin. Pedestrians are reminded that vehicles will need more time to stop if the road is wet or slippery. When crossing, look both ways for traffic that might be overtaking: STOP – LOOK – LISTEN and continue to look and listen while crossing.

The NRA plans to install another crosswalk along the West Bay Road by the Westin Hotel in the coming months.

PHOTO: NRA’s Brian Chin Yee demonstrates the pedestrian crosswalks works.