Spring Break
Campus police end crossing guard duties on Main Street
Jeremy Pink
Issue date: 10/29/08 Section: News
Pedestrians crossing at the Whiton and Main streets intersection will no longer be assisted by University Police officers during peak hours.
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said he decided to remove the officers from the intersection because of the increased safety measures installed by the city.
The intersection now features push-button actuators at all four corners that allow pedestrians to activate flashing signs above and next to Main Street, warning traffic of pedestrians crossing the street.
Kiederlen said he decided to back off on consistent traffic direction one he knew the actuators were installed on all four corners. However, he said officers will continue to direct and monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic during peak hours at the crosswalks along West Starin Road.
Kiederlen also noted the city's recently approved $6000 study of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Main Street as being a reason for removing the officers.
The study, which will be done orchestrated by Strand Associates, will monitor traffic along Main Street. Results will aid the Whitewater Common Council in its decision to install new safety measures along Main Street.
"We need to let the area work on its own to get an accurate … survey, so we have appropriate data," Kiederlen said.
Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said the city also does not plan to continue overseeing the intersection with crossing guards.
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said he decided to remove the officers from the intersection because of the increased safety measures installed by the city.
The intersection now features push-button actuators at all four corners that allow pedestrians to activate flashing signs above and next to Main Street, warning traffic of pedestrians crossing the street.
Kiederlen said he decided to back off on consistent traffic direction one he knew the actuators were installed on all four corners. However, he said officers will continue to direct and monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic during peak hours at the crosswalks along West Starin Road.
Kiederlen also noted the city's recently approved $6000 study of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Main Street as being a reason for removing the officers.
The study, which will be done orchestrated by Strand Associates, will monitor traffic along Main Street. Results will aid the Whitewater Common Council in its decision to install new safety measures along Main Street.
"We need to let the area work on its own to get an accurate … survey, so we have appropriate data," Kiederlen said.
Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said the city also does not plan to continue overseeing the intersection with crossing guards.
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