A group of pedestrian advocates are calling for improvements to a key intersection near Lake Calhoun in the wake of a death last month.
Caitlan Barton, 25, was fatally struck by a truck at the intersection of West Lake Street and Market Plaza (above) in mid-February. The city's pedestrian advisory committee had previously highlighted the triangle created by West Lake Street, Excelsior Boulevard and Market Plaza as a priority for improvements.
On Tuesday afternoon, the pedestrian advisory committee released a list of short-term and long-term improvements they would like to see in that area.
The area was already of particular importance for new Council Member Linea Palmisano because it is slated to receive a key light rail stop under the proposed Southwest line.
Their short-term recommendations include:
1. Remove right turn lanes on Lake Street in both directions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances by approximately 12 feet each. Potentially use temporary measures initially to restrict the lanes and monitor how traffic responds and then evaluate a permanent solution.
2. Review all signal timing to ensure that there is adequate time in the pedestrian phase to fully cross wide roadways. Add audible pedestrian signals and pedestrian countdown timers to improve pedestrian awareness.
3. Install continuous street and sidewalk lighting to ensure good visibility between pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicle drivers. The few existing lights on signal poles and other sporadic locations are insufficient for pedestrian visibility.
