Since the construction of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in 1975, Jackson Bridge and the roadway beneath it have posed a great danger to pedestrians. Commuters, community members, police recruits from The Academy, students from Skinner West, and students from Whitney M. Young are constantly at risk of being hit by speeding vehicles. The crosswalk used beneath the Bridge is shaded and part of a school zone, yet lack of adequate signage leaves people to be nearly hit and to dodge cars who do not abide the 20 MPH speed limit.
According to the U.S Department of Transportation's Section 4L.03 in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, warning beacons are a remedy:
“At obstructions in or immediately adjacent to the roadway;
As supplemental emphasis to warning signs;
As emphasis for midblock crosswalks;
As supplemental emphasis to regulatory signs, except STOP, DO NOT ENTER, WRONG WAY, and SPEED LIMIT signs; and
In conjunction with a regulatory or warning sign that includes the phrase WHEN FLASHING in its legend to indicate that the regulation is in effect or that the condition is present only at certain times.”
On the grounds of Section 4L.03, I humbly propose the installation of a Flashing In Street School Sign underneath the Jackson Bridge for the protection of pedestrians using the crosswalk. By signing this petition, you sign in support of the installation of a Flashing In Street School Sign.
We must be proactive rather than reactive to an inevitable tragedy.
-Alexandra Swain, Class of 2020 from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School