Borough to move Dolphin Street crosswalk; lighting and flashing signs under review

Residents Dave and Tanya Tynes asked the Public Safety Advisory Board to add lighting and possibly flashing amber beacons at two crosswalks on Dolphin Street that serve Ray C. Stedman Elementary School, saying students arrive and leave before crossing guards are on duty and visibility is poor during winter mornings and evenings.

Board members and borough staff discussed immediate and longer-term measures. Public works reported plans to relocate a crosswalk near the children’s center: the crosswalk will be moved to intersect with Fifth Street and the existing farther-up crosswalk will be removed. The relocation will include installing a stop sign so traffic on Dolphin Street becomes a three-way stop at that segment, which staff said should slow through traffic and improve safety for crossing guards and students.

On lighting, staff said they will ask public works and the power utility for cost information; if running power is impractical, the borough can consider solar-powered flashing signs as a less-expensive option. Staff noted engineered plans exist for a larger rebuild of that end of Dolphin Street that would add lighting and create safer access to the school and adjacent leased lots; funding for the larger project has not been finalized and remains under discussion.

One resident suggested stronger enforcement (traffic tickets) as an interim step. No formal board vote was required or taken; staff indicated they will obtain cost and feasibility information for lighting and proceed with the planned crosswalk relocation this spring when weather allows.