Community Impact

By: Amy Denney

In an effort to address an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths and injuries on I-35, the Texas Department of Transportation is ramping up its Be Safe Be Seen initiative.

Launched in November 2017, the initiative aims to improve safety on I-35 and in other high-traffic pedestrian areas and construction zones, according to TxDOT.

As part of Phase 2 of the program, the state agency installed 26 no pedestrian crossing signs on barriers along the I-35 frontage roads and main lanes at 51st Street.

In the past four years, 41 pedestrian-related crashes have occurred along I-35 in the city of Austin, according to TxDOT data. Of those, 21 were fatal. As of Feb. 15, the Austin Police Department has reported three pedestrian deaths on I-35 in 2019, including one involving a pedestrian on a scooter.

At the 51st Street intersection with the southbound I-35 frontage roads, TxDOT also recently completed a two-lane roundabout. Improvements included bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, such as raised crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals. The $16.5 million project, to which the city of Austin contributed $9.2 million, was part of TxDOT’s My35 program.

“There are safe ways for pedestrians to cross I-35, including the new 51st Street interchange, which has a dedicated foot and bike path,” McCoy said.

TxDOT is also working with area businesses to provide window clings and table tents with the messaging “Stay Alive, Don’t Cross I-35.”

The Be Safe Be Seen initiative has also included distributing reflective backpacks, educational safety videos and handouts, according to the agency, which has passed out more than 8,000 bags.

Credit: https://communityimpact.com/austin/transportation/2019/02/15/txdot-is-encouraging-people-to-stay-alive-dont-cross-i-35-in-austin/