DENTON (1080 KRLD) - The City of Denton is converting the crosswalks on the downtown square to "all-walk" crosswalks starting today.
Denton City officials predict the new system will improve safety by reducing the number of auto-pedestrian accidents.
The "all-walk" crosswalks stop all vehicle traffic at key intersections when activated, allowing people to walk across the street in any direction. They will be installed at at all four intersections of the Downtown Square: Oak Street and Elm Street; Oak Street and Locust Street; Hickory Street and Locust Street; and Hickory Street and Elm Street. Right turns during a red light at those intersections will also be prohibited when the "walk" button is pressed.
"By adding pedestrian-exclusive traffic phases in the heart of Denton, safety is expected to improve for all modes of transportation," said City Traffic Engineer Brian Jahn.
The city also plans to install signs reminding drivers of the new rule prohibiting right turns during a red light at those intersections. City staffers will be on-site downtown today to monitor the flow of traffic and answer questions.
The pilot program for the new "all-walk" crosswalks is scheduled to last six months. City traffic engineers will review the program after that to determine if the "all-walk" crosswalks will remain in place.