The Alachua County Public Works Department recently finished installing 10 new Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at key pedestrian crosswalks, aimed at improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
The RRFBs were installed at five strategic locations and are designed to alert motorists when pedestrians or bicyclists are about to enter a crosswalk. According to the release, Florida state law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk once the beacons are activated and lights are flashing.
The new beacons are located at the following locations:
- Eastside High School and Lake Forest Elementary School: SE 43rd Street and SE 10th Place intersection
- Joseph Williams Elementary & Abraham Lincoln Middle School: SE 15th Street at the intersections of SE 8th Avenue and SE 11th Avenue
- Southwest 8th Way: North of the Southwest 26th Lane intersection
- San Felasco Park: Along Millhopper Road
According to the release, each location features two solar-powered beacons equipped with LED lights. The lights activate when a pedestrian pushes a button located on the beacon pole, flashing for 20 seconds to provide ample time for pedestrians to cross safely.
“We’re proud to say this project was completed on time and under budget, thanks to the efforts of our in-house team,” said Kenneth Gray, interim traffic maintenance supervisor, in a release. “By handling the work internally, we saved approximately $37,000 this year, which can now be redirected toward other vital safety projects.”