The town of Cary has opted to install beacons at five different greenways and popular roads, designed to help pedestrians and drivers alike. Using a pushbutton pedestrians can activate a rapid-flashing LED device designed to alert drivers. Studies by the Federal Highway Administration have studied the devices and concluded they boost vehicle yielding rates from 10-20% to 70-85%. The initial installs will be a pilot project with the potential for further expansion if they’re successful.
First introduced in Florida, these beacons are now used across several states. Each crossing costs almost $19,000 to maintain and install. These devices will soon be installed at the following locations:
• NW Maynard Road at the entrance to Godbold Park as part of the Black Creek Greenway
• West Dynasty Drive near Sudbury Drive as part of the Black Creek Greenway
• Jenks Carpenter Road near Fryars Creek Drive as part of the White Oak Greenway
• Morrisville Parkway near East Ferrell Road as part of the American Tobacco Trail
Visit www.townofcary.org for more information.
