Based on existing state law, safety studies by the Federal Highways Administration and input from residents, a new city of Kent policy defines where crosswalk markings should be located and removed.
• Starting this month, 47 crosswalk markings are being removed given the false impression of safety they create. Despite perceptions, crosswalks aren’t always safe given traffic speeds, vehicle counts and street widths of their particular locations.
• 61 new crosswalk markings are being added where pedestrian activity and vehicle speeds warrant their placement.
• The new policy doesn’t change the fact that drivers must stop for pedestrians, whether the crosswalk is marked or not.
Removal of crosswalk markings will take place September-November. New crosswalk markings are anticipated to be placed next year.
• Crosswalk markings can be removed in as little as 30 minutes, so there will be minimal disruption to traffic.
• Drivers may experience short, intermittent lanes closures.
• The work is noisy, but will generally occur only during weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Visit KentWA.gov/Crosswalks for more details.
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