PRESQUE ISLE — The City of Presque Isle recently completed the installation of a new solar-powered flashing crossing light at the corner of University and Main street (US Route 1) in front of UMPI and along the Bike Path.
The specialized crosswalk equipment was obtained through a partnership between municipalities and the Maine Department of Transportation. The Public Works Department installed the flashing crosswalk lights and signs last week.
The workers first had to bring the sidewalk and curbing along the east side of US Route 1 up to the Maine Handicapped Accessibility guidelines by raising the sidewalk and improving the curb.
Deputy Director of Public Works Chris Perkins said, “This crosswalk feature is a great upgrade to the Bike Path and provides better pedestrian access from the east side of Main Street to UMPI as well.
“We want to remind drivers that the speed limit transitions from 45 mph out by the Chamber back to 25 mph as you start down the hill north of the Presque Isle Inn and before reaching UMPI,” Perkins said. “Drivers need to be more aware of the reduced speed limit, especially as it pertains to pedestrian safety at that location.”
Sgt. Mark Barnes of the Presque Isle Police Department stated, “The laws in Maine have recently changed. Vehicles must now yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is not yet even in the crosswalk, but looks like he or she wants to cross.”
There are three crosswalks in the downtown area that are now are highly visible: the solar-powered flashing signs at UMPI, the orange cones in front of the Braden, and the flashing lights at the Northeastland.
However, there are additional crosswalks along Main Street for which vehicles must yield to pedestrians, such as those between Maple and Cedar streets, at the corners of Academy and Main, State and Main, Church and Main and Park and Main, and at the light by Wal-Mart.
