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Council approves $75,748 purchase of 18 solar pedestrian flash-beacon systems for Main Street crosswalks
Summary
Council authorized a cooperative purchase for 18 solar-powered Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossing systems to improve pedestrian visibility at crossings on McCulloch Boulevard and other locations; council voted 6–0 to approve the $75,748.91 purchase.
The Lake Havasu City Council authorized a cooperative purchase agreement Tuesday for 18 solar-powered illuminated Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossing systems, a procurement staff member said, to improve crosswalk visibility on McCulloch Boulevard and other locations.
Public works staff explained the systems will be installed at planned locations including McCulloch Boulevard at Aqua Rio, Mulberry and Birch and at Pima Wash; the beacons are solar-powered and will flash when activated by a pedestrian push button, lighting the crosswalk and alerting drivers.
"They will light automatically when pushed and will alert drivers to pedestrians in the crosswalk," Public Works staff member Mr. Young said. He said the devices will not synchronize with existing traffic signals and that each intersection will operate independently; staff also said installation and maintenance will be performed by city crews and that the manufacturer warranty will cover defects.
Council members and several public commenters supported the safety improvement but asked operational and maintenance questions. Council Member Nancy Campbell asked whether the devices could be synchronized with signal timing to minimize traffic backups; staff responded they will operate independently and clear once pedestrians have crossed. Resident Jennifer Blair described a collision at Mulberry and Highway 95 and urged installation at bike-path crossings as well. Resident Bonnie Toye cautioned about signage and visibility for visitors unfamiliar with local crosswalk practices; another commenter asked whether the devices can be disabled during large events — staff said they could be deactivated if required.
Council Member Jim Dolan moved to authorize the city manager to execute the cooperative purchase agreement with Traffic & Parking Control Co., Inc., and to approve the purchase in the amount of $75,748.91; Council Member Cameron Moses seconded. The motion passed 6–0.
