New City Plan to Make Crosswalks Safer for Pedestrians Available for Public Review and Comments

The City of Syracuse Department of Engineering today announced the first phase of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP), a project to upgrade crosswalks citywide, is open to the public for comments online until Friday, Apr. 9. In an effort to continue developing a pedestrian-safe environment, the Department is partnering with C&S Companies to add pedestrian signals and pavement markings at locations where none exist or are outdated.

The PSAP identified 80 uncontrolled City crosswalks (mid-block crossings) that do not have pedestrian signals including stop signs or traffic lights, for pedestrians to cross the street safely. The upgrades at crosswalks without indicators to cross will include warning signage at the crosswalk, advance crosswalk warning signage, and stripings on the pavement. The plan also outlines pedestrian safety upgrades at 60 of the City’s 300 signalized intersections using standards recommended by the New York State Department of Transportation.

The improvements at the signalized intersections will include new pedestrian signal heads with countdown timers installed, accessible pedestrian signals, signage revisions or additions and crosswalk pavement markings. The project is currently in the design phase with construction scheduled to begin later in the year in 2021.  Upcoming phases of the City’s PSAP will address the remaining signalized intersections within the City, with the hospital/university area being the next priority. 

The public can view examples of before and after project enhancements once the project is completed and submit comments at www.cscos.com/cityofsyracusepsap. A map of the locations where the changes will take place is also available. Future projects implementing the PSAP will focus on other areas with high pedestrian use such as hospitals, schools, parks, and community centers, afterward branching out into residential areas, based on available funding.