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Tinker officials to install crosswalk signals on Industrial Boulevard

  • Published
  • By Kandis West
  • Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Team Tinker leadership is demonstrating their dedication to safety by installing four solar-powered crosswalk signals in the high-pedestrian area north of bldg. 3001.
   "Our most precious asset is our great people. One of our primary focus areas is safety," said Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Commander. "These new crosswalk signals will be a dramatic improvement for hundreds of pedestrians daily."
   The pedestrian crossing signal lights will cover an 80-yard area on Industrial Boulevard, also called Entrance Road C. 
   Gen. Reno, American Federation of Government Employees local 916 2nd Vice-President Rick Stuart and 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Gene Gallogly walked the area and discussed the proposed placement of the signals on July 26.
   Mr. Stuart said the area is dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. Traffic traveling westbound on Industrial Boulevard near bldg. 3001 is coming around a curve as they approach the crosswalk and pedestrians tend to cross the street anywhere they want, he said. Everyone is highly encouraged to cross this busy street only in the painted crosswalk areas.
   "The blinking lights will help alert drivers and funnel pedestrians toward the center crosswalk," Mr. Stuart said.
   Union officials have been concerned about the area for some time, but the project was expedited with the arrival of Gen. Reno and his commitment to people issues and his willingness to partner with the union for the betterment of Team Tinker, Mr. Stuart said.
   Previously, the union discussed having a tunnel or overhead passing across this street. Although neither pedestrians nor drivers would be impeded, the ideas proved to be cost prohibitive.
   This is the best solution to the problem, Mr. Stuart said.
   The lights have been ordered and installation is set for mid-October, said Mr. Gallogly.
   "It will give us better light for the shorter daylight hours in late fall and winter," he said.
   The signal lights are expected to cost $3,500 each and will flash whenever pedestrians push the crosswalk button. Since they are solar-powered and battery-operated, the need for utility line extensions was eliminated.