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Council approves agreement with MoDOT to install rapid flashers at Cedar and Main
Summary
Council approved an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to install rectangular rapid flashers at the Cedar and Main crosswalk; staff said MoDOT will maintain the devices once installed, and council discussed enforcement and placement limits due to a nearby railroad crossing.
The Belton City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city to sign an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to install rapid rectangular pedestrian flashers at the Cedar and Main crosswalk.
A public works staff member described the devices as “rectangular rapid flasher[s]” that sit between existing crosswalk signs and flash rapidly when a pedestrian presses the button. “So when you're driving down the road, someone you can walk up to it, press the button, all of them will go off, and, it will bring attention to you that you're going to cross the street,” the presenter said. Staff clarified the system does not operate like a HAWK signal and does not change traffic-control rules: drivers must still yield according to existing crossing laws.
A key point for the council was a change in MoDOT’s agreement: MoDOT will maintain the flashers once installed. “And in this agreement, they are going to maintain it once we install it,” staff said. Council members probed maintenance reliability and noted local crews often repair signs quickly after damage; staff said the city would likely continue to assist if necessary.
Council members raised enforcement questions and possible code changes to increase driver liability when the flashers are active; staff said they are researching what would be required to update local enforcement or code language and will consult with the police department. Placement and advance warning were discussed: because a railroad advance sign exists at the location, staff said federal/state placement rules limit adding an additional advance pedestrian warning sign at the same location.
The ordinance passed by voice vote. Council members expressed relief that the device would be installed at a crossing where residents had reported near-misses. The council did not adopt any code change at the meeting; staff said they are researching potential enforcement updates and will report back.
