|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local News - May 2002 |
|||||||||
|
Crossing still hazardous at courtsquare By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer May 29, 2002 - Nearly seven months have passed since a Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy was struck by a car while attempting to cross Main Street at the courtsquare, yet no improvements have been made to the busy road. Tuesday some pedestrians stood and waited for cars to stop, some stepped tentatively into the street and some, like father and son Clyde Bost and Jeff Bost, even had to run to reach the opposite curb to avoid being struck by passing vehicles. Carole Sherrill said pedestrians need to be alert to and aware of the oncoming traffic. “I take into consideration my safety,” she said after crossing to the courtsquare. “Most people are courteous and stop, but you do have to be aware of it (the traffic).” Parking spots line East Main Street, making it difficult for turning drivers to see pedestrians who are crossing to the courthouse. City Manager Jeff Emory said this was one of the problems pinpointed by a state study on the traffic circle by Municipal and School Transportation Assistance in December. The study suggested eliminating some of the spaces in order to have a better sight distance. The study also suggested the elimination of some of the nine white-lined cross-walks that intersect the circle. Many are fading and are ignored by motorists. “Overuse of markings may cause disrespect for other pedestrian and traffic control devices,” according to the study. Emory said that while the city council agreed to look at the parking spots, they didn’t think a reduction in the number of cross-walks was the best option. “At this time, I don’t think we’ll see any cross-walks eliminated,” Emory said. Emory did say he will be working with city staff in the near future to address the problems. “We’re going to have to do something about it,” Mayor Bobby Huitt said. Deputy Wally Keener was struck by a Ford Explorer in November while crossing to the west side of the courthouse. Keener suffered a leg injury, but was not seriously hurt. Lincolnton Police Chief Terry Burgin said no more pedestrians have been injured around the courtsquare since Keener.
|
|||||||||
|
© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
|||||||||
|
|