The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approving the installation of a new crosswalk and pedestrian signage near several new restaurants on Monterey Street.
Alderman Jim Floyd said the increase in foot traffic from people parking across the street to visit new businesses necessitates a formal crossing area. Floyd said many patrons currently park at the Central Church of Christ parking lot and walk across the roadway to reach their destinations.
Officials said the project will likely include painted hatching on the asphalt and specific signage to alert drivers to the pedestrian crossing. Lowery said the city will need to obtain a permit from the state to install the crosswalk because Monterey Street is a state road.
“We would have to get permission,” Mayor Jerry Lowery said. “We’d have to call and and it shouldn’t be a big deal to get permit for that though.”
The board discussed placing the primary crossing on the side of the intersection near Angelie’s. Lowery said the city should also consider painting crosswalks on the two in-roads coming onto either side of the intersection to improve safety.
“It’s not that big of an intersection,” Dillard Quick said. “On Monterey, just to one you don’t have to have signage, but at least put the crosswalk the hatching. That’s not a problem. Makes it easier for everybody.”
