By Brent Lyday
– Motorists on Culver Street and Highway 24/50 in Commerce will be notified automatically of crossing pedestrians after Texas A&M University-Commerce installed pressure plates to the crosswalk lighting system around campus.
"By having automatic, as well as manual activation of the crosswalk lighting system, we now have a redundancy which affords better protection for all pedestrians using the crosswalk," said David McKenna, A&M-Commerce executive director of facilities and support services.
Crews completed the project in just three days. While the plates are easily activated and add another level of safety, everyone is encouraged to still be cautious before walking the crosswalk.
"Certainly, crossing safety is enhanced by these additions," McKenna said. "But, pedestrians using the crosswalks still need to make sure all traffic is stopped before they cross - safety first."