Illuminated crosswalk signs installed along Freeport Road in Blawnox's business district

Motorists driving through Blawnox have some new lights to look out for.

The borough recently installed solar-powered illuminated crosswalk signs at four intersections along Freeport Road.

They are located at North, Cable and McKinley avenues as well as Humbolt Street.

Police Chief Patrick Goodman said those locations were approved by PennDOT in an effort to improve pedestrian safety.

“Other considerations came into play such as visibility and where the available sunlight (is) to charge the signs,” Goodman said. “Intersections with traffic signals in place such as traffic signals and pedestrian walk indicators were not considered (such as Center and Blaw avenues).

“Ultimately, the signs were placed to increase the safety for pedestrians and motorists throughout the Freeport Road corridor in Blawnox and to provide access to these lighted crossings for everyone.”

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said the signs were purchased from RTC Manufacturing LLC, the poles and installation were through Traffic Control & Engineering Co. Inc.

The project cost nearly $124,000 and was funded through a $405,000 state Local Share Account grant. There was no borough match for the grant.

Sign installation was completed June 13. Walkers began weighing in on the new safety measure a few days later.

“We got feedback on Saturday at the Spring Art Fling,” Ulanowicz said. “People are happy there is a way to stop traffic to cross Freeport Road. I am happy we have a way to slow traffic for pedestrians to be able to cross safely.”

Walkers have to press a button for the lights to start flashing.

The hope is the new signs will help drivers follow state law, which states:

“The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”

Goodman said drivers who disregard the illuminated crossing could be cited for failure to yield, disobedience to official traffic control devices and careless driving.

Fines could range from $50 to $150 plus court costs, points on driver’s licenses or more severe punishments depending on the elements of the violation.

“Written warnings will be issued for a one-month period to allow motorists and pedestrians to become accustomed to the changes unless a serious violation is observed,” Goodman said.

“This time will also be used to educate both drivers and pedestrians of their responsibilities at these locations.”