State Gives Green Light for Illuminated Village Crosswalks

After more than a year of waiting, East Hampton Village has received approval and funding for illuminated crosswalks across Main Street, which is part of the state highway.

When the , it was said that there was no other form of pedestrian safety such as this on Long Island.

The board decided to seek approval for the lit crosswalks on Main Street at Huntting Lane, by , and The Circle, near , to increase safety where there are four lanes of travel. Safety and warning devices will be at either side of the crosswalks. A push of a button and a light will flash that will warn drivers to slow down and stop as the pedestrian passes. There will be a 9-by-12 inch sign above the button with instructions.

The State Department of Transportation Regional Traffic Engineer Frank Pearson said in a letter to Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. that he was hopeful the work would be completed before Memorial Day. The project is estimated to cost $125,000.

The state did propose an agreement where the village would pick up the responsibility and cost of maintenance and repair of the two lighted crosswalks, which the board okayed during .

Village Administrator said the municipality would be responsible for maintaining the system for approximately 15 years. "As a result of that we may be assuming some liability for maintaining it, as well," he said, adding that a contract with an outside vendor might be necessary to inspect it.

"Well, considering how long it took us to get them to agree, I'd hate to see how long it would take for maintence -- it would never be working," said Deputy Mayor Barbara Borsack. "So I think that's the best possible solution."