Residents of Worcester are advocating for the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Newton Avenue, citing safety concerns for pedestrians in the area. Timothy Corbett, a local resident, highlighted the dangers of crossing the street, particularly during inclement weather, where speeding vehicles pose a significant risk. He emphasized the lack of sidewalks on his side of Salisbury Street, making it difficult for residents to safely navigate the area.

Megan McGovern, another resident, echoed Corbett's sentiments, noting that pedestrians often struggle to cross safely due to vehicles not yielding. Both residents expressed a strong desire for a crosswalk to enhance community safety and accessibility, especially for children waiting for school buses.

City officials acknowledged the challenges of implementing a crosswalk in this location, citing the need for significant construction to ensure pedestrian safety. This includes creating a safe waiting area for pedestrians and improving sight lines for drivers, which are currently obstructed by the road's curvature. The estimated cost for these improvements is projected to exceed $100,000, and officials indicated that funding would need to be secured before any construction could begin.

While the city recognizes the urgent need for pedestrian accommodations on Salisbury Street, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain, as there are no immediate resurfacing projects planned for the area. Officials suggested that the approval of the petition could facilitate the inclusion of a crosswalk in future roadwork, but residents may have to wait some time before seeing any changes.

The discussion underscored the broader issue of pedestrian safety in Worcester, with officials noting that Salisbury Street is currently a high-risk area for pedestrians due to speeding and a lack of infrastructure. The city plans to conduct further evaluations to explore potential traffic calming measures and signage to improve safety in the interim.