Actions

Safety changes being fast tracked for 35th Ave north of Indian School

Posted at 7:17 PM, Jul 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-18 13:40:45-04

After three pedestrians were killed by cars on one block, Operation Safe Roads is following up on safety improvement to 35th Avenue, north of Indian School Road.

Since ABC15 first reported on this dangerous block six weeks ago, we've seen Phoenix city workers making changes, including installing no-crossing signs and passing out safety flyers.

RELATED: Hit-and-run driver turns himself in; crash also raises issue of jaywalking in busy areas

Despite those efforts, dozens of people every day are still jaywalking across the six lanes of traffic. To cut down on the risky crossing, city officials are speeding up the installation of a special crosswalk, called a "HAWK."

"Right now, we are working on the best location," Phoenix Deputy Street Transportation Director Briiana Velez said. "That will then move into the design which should take approximately six weeks."

RELATED: Woman hit, killed by hit-and-run driver near 35th Avenue/Indian School

The 35th Avenue crosswalk should be installed by the end of the year, according to a city spokesperson.  

Phoenix drivers will see more HAWKS in the coming years.

RELATED: See when and where pedestrian crashes happened in Arizona

"It will flash yellow letting the drivers know that it's going to turn red soon, so they should come to a stop," Velez said. "When it flashes red, then that means for them to stop. They would then allow the pedestrian to cross."

City officials estimate the special crosswalk will cost at least $150,000, but not having one could cost more lives.