LAKE HAVASU CITY – A pedestrian crosswalk signal on Magnolia Drive with the Pima Wash crossing that was out of service for several months has been replaced. Separately, Lake Havasu City officials are considering installing crosswalks in two specific high pedestrian traffic locations.
While Magnolia Drive certainly isn’t the busiest city roadway for motorists or pedestrians it has specific circumstances that call for extra caution. The Pima Wash Trail, which runs about one mile through the central part of town, crosses Magnolia and that crossing is at a dip in the roadway. The dip can lead to motorists unable to spot pedestrians until they are closer to the crossing.
The crosswalk signal on Magnolia Drive had reached the end of its service life, and “replacement parts for the existing unit were no longer readily available,” according to Jerri Bracamonte, community engagement officer for the city. “In many cases, the parts received were not compatible, making repairs difficult.”
With that in mind, the city budgeted for a full replacement of the crosswalk signal on Magnolia. The new pedestrian crosswalk signal cost about $10,000 and was installed in early February.
The current signal is a newer pedestrian crossing system, which differs from the previous unit. It noticeably resembles other crosswalk signals on nearby Main Street and on the London Bridge.
Separately, Mayor Cal Sheehy recently said the city was reviewing the possibility for pedestrian crosswalks at Riviera Boulevard and Swanson Avenue and in the Wheeler Park area near the Mohave County Library. Sheehy made the comments at a Feb. 27 Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager.
“We want to improve safety and not just put paint down,” said City Manager Jess Knudson.
Swanson Avenue has apartments, condos and multifamily units near the Riviera Boulevard location across the street from Albertsons grocery store.
Wheeler Park is used for different city events and is located in a circular formation in the middle of McCulloch Boulevard.
“There’s two possible outcomes (of the review),” Knudson said. ‘We need (better) access for pedestrians in those areas or there isn’t a cost feasible solution.”
Greg Moberly
