LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The City of Lima is continuing its efforts to make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians by installing new accessible pedestrian signals (APS) and tactile crosswalk features at key intersections.
Mayor Sharetta Smith took her weekly briefing on the road Wednesday, highlighting the improvements and demonstrating how the technology works. The upgrades are part of an initiative prompted by the Low Vision Coalition, which approached the city about adding features that would make crossing the street safer for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
"With these audibles, it makes it more accessible," said Sean Oden with the Low Vision Coalition. "And like I pointed out to the mayor, I was concerned about hybrid vehicles pulling up to the traffic light and stopping, and there's no sound from those vehicles."
Oden walked the mayor through the use of the APS system, which includes an audible tone and voice instruction when the button is pushed. The system lets pedestrians know whether it is safe to cross, which direction they are crossing, and when to wait. The crosswalks also include tactile brick pads, allowing individuals to feel when they are within the crosswalk zone.
Oden walked the mayor through the use of the APS system, which includes an audible tone and voice instruction when the button is pushed.
The Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC) partnered with the city to help implement the upgrades.
"We just really look forward to these opportunities to work with the city and to assist them in any way we can," said Rebecca Phillips, executive director of LACRPC. "Whether it's data or traffic counts, pedestrian counts—we provide that information to the city when we can."
The featured signal is located at the intersection of West Market and Metcalf Streets, with several other installations throughout the city.
