When pedestrians go to cross a Lake Forest thoroughfare, they may soon face numbers counting down rather than the traditional red hand or white silhouette in motion.
City leaders on Tuesday directed staff to determine which intersections are most in need of the new signals, which officials said deter drivers from intruding into intersections and intimidating walkers.
“I think that they’re really a great gift to mankind, so to speak,” Councilwoman Marcia Rudolph said, lauding the signals as a benefit to the elderly and disabled.
Eventually, all traffic intersections in Lake Forest should have a countdown signal, she said.
“We do need to look at those places that are heavily used,” said Mayor Kathryn McCullough, who originally brought up the discussion topic at a previous council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Voigts cautioned his colleagues to consider the cost of the signals before installing them “here, there and everywhere.”
Public Works Director Tom Wheeler said the signals cost $800 a piece; $6,400 to outfit a four-way intersection.
Signals "last a long time," Wheeler said, guessing that most of those in place in Lake Forest are the signals originally installed.
Officials suggested priority for intersections near senior housing, schools without crossing guards, and high-traffic areas.
Which, if any, Lake Forest intersections should get pedestrian countdown signals? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS.
