Pedestrians and advocates warn Meriden officials: downtown crosswalk signals are failing

At the committee's general public-comment period, several residents urged faster repairs and traffic control for downtown crosswalks. "None of the crosswalks work," Jennifer Addie of 55 Willow Street told the committee, saying that six pedestrian crosswalk signals from the bottom of the hill to the train station had been out "for months and months." She described near-miss incidents during recent downtown events and said she has repeatedly reported the problem to town hall without sustained resolution.

Committee members and the director of public works said staff would revisit the locations and review signal timing and operations. John Lawler said his team checks the pedestrian signals when notified and that pedestrian calls can alter traffic timing; he committed to "take another look" after the resident comment. Councilors pressed follow-up about failures and recent lightning strikes that have damaged signal controllers at other intersections; Lawler said crews will inspect timing and operation and make repairs as needed.

The committee did not take formal action on crosswalk repairs during the meeting. Residents urged the committee to prioritize repairs, officer traffic control for events, and clearer communications from public works on ongoing signal work.