Vinton City public safety committee agrees to add lights and signs at 10th Avenue crosswalk

The Vinton City Public Safety Committee agreed to pursue flashing crosswalk lights and additional warning signage at the crosswalk on 10th Avenue near East 15th Street to improve pedestrian safety.

Committee members said the site — a tight curve near a church on recently paved roadway — has seen more pedestrians throughout the day and evening, including school-related crossings and trail users. "It's becoming more of a problem," one committee member said, citing increased pedestrian volumes during mornings and afternoons.

Members discussed options for a push-button activated warning light but expressed concern about installing traditional wired units because of the cost and need to bring power to the site. "I cannot believe that they don't have like a solar power one of those, like 'yield to pedestrians' in the crosswalk sign," the same committee member said, recommending a solar-powered flash system to avoid running power lines.

The committee agreed that any flashing unit should be installed on both sides of the crosswalk and that additional curbside warning signage should be placed on the approach into town and on the curve to slow drivers. Committee members also clarified jurisdiction after a brief exchange over ownership of the newly paved roadway; one speaker said the pavement is city-owned.

Regarding logistics, a staff member reported that the equipment had already been ordered. "Andrew's already got it ordered," the staff member said, and speakers noted stock and procurement appeared available, which the group said would allow quick installation.

There was no record of a formal vote in the discussion; the committee moved from discussion to a consensus to proceed with lights and signage and closed the item. The committee then concluded the public safety discussion and moved on to the next agenda item.