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To DPW: Please rush the installation of a pedestrian activated Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFB) to this location. Pedestrian traffic is up and the East Ave traffic is not slowing down. I walk this route every day.

The time for a pedestrian-activated blinking light is now. I have lived on Bilodeau for decades and the volume of East Ave traffic has increased dramatically due to UVMMC, UVM, college student access to off-campus housing in the Centennial neighborhood and East Ave used as a street to bypass traffic on Main St or Colchester Ave. Despite the 25 mph postings, people sail along on East Ave at speeds that usually far exceed this limit. Pedestrian traffic is way up, too. When snow and ice arrives, it will be even more dangerous to cross at East Ave.

The blinking lights work well around Burlington. Please install them at this critical crossing.

Yes, definite need for ped activated RFB at East & Bilodeau. For that matter, I see folks regularly going way more than 25 mph, particularly as they come off Main Street & continue past Carrigan/Catamount. A permanent "you're speed is" device would probably help. And hey, here's an idea: how about actually giving out some speeding tickets every now and then?
ADDITIONALLY: the intersection of East & Carrigan/Catamount is a serious, possibly fatal, accident waiting to happen. Folks come speeding down the hill from the hospital, way over 25 mph and way, way over the 15 mph limit for Carrigan. I'm at this intersection twice a day for only a few minutes and at least once a week I see someone ignoring the "no right turn on right when lit" sign. One lady came close to running me down - she was visibly shaken (as was I) and extremely apologetic but really, this needs to be addressed. Multiply the few times I'm at that corner that by the rest of the times I'm not there and you've got a LOT of potential accidents. Additionally: the crossing time is only 10 seconds for a pedestrian to cross multiple lanes. Pedestrian crossing times downtown are way longer to cross a way shorter distance. What's with that? If you're goal is not to inconvenience drivers at the risk of pedestrian injury or death than you're doing a great job. Finally, the pedestrian crossing light at East & Carrigan is completely disabled after 9pm. I have no problem with blinking yellow on East Ave and blinking Red on Carrigan at that hour, but at least keep the effing pedestrian crossing light functional. I can't be the only one who works late at UVM/UVMCC who's really bothered (as in frightened) by having to cross under these conditions.

Yes yes yes! I am a regular walker on the street and have witnessed many close calls. An RRFB is a simple effective solution. Thanks!

Given the recent crash events that have occurred, I trust that Public Works will investigate the best solution to address the safety concerns. Possible solutions could include a rapid flashing beacon. There are additional solutions as well. For example, curb extensions and a raised crossing have been demonstrated to make the crossing more visible and prominent to cars. The vegetation cutting the Medical Center recently completed did help with visibility. However, the presence of utility poles makes the line of sight very cluttered so I believe a curb bump out that serves to slow traffic down and provides a protected space in front of all the signage/poles is a solution for emphasizing the pedestrian crossing location.

It is well past time for getting a pedestrian activated blinking light at the crossing walk at Billedeaux a crossed East Avenue. Please don’t let this be a situation where a fatal accident is the proximal event that causes this needed blinking light at this intersection. Thank you

I agree that this area is a big safety hazard and needs to be improved. The current answer of 5 years from now once we get that far down the traffic calming list is absurb. This is an issue RIGHT NOW!!!! Crashes occurring RIGHT NOW!!!

For anyone reading this please take the time to email the Public Works Commission with your thoughts. Directly contacting PWC will help escalate this issue.

https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPW/Commissioners

Please make a blinking crossing light at Billodeau and East Ave. a priority. I use this crossing daily and it is not safe. We have seen safety improvements on Colchester Ave. These work. This should not be pushed back in time. We don't want any other accidents!

What's up, DPW?? Shouldn't public safety be your highest priority? This is a significant safety issue. What does it take to get you to address it?

An investigation is really unnecessary. What we need is the same type of flashing signal activator that was finally put in on Colchester Ave between East Ave. & Fletcher Pl. It is the same solution to the same issue on the adjoining street.

The first response I received from DPW (in 2018, I believe) was that this crossing doesn't qualify for some state approval or funding or something, because it doesn't have sidewalk on BOTH sides of the street. (The hill path is not an official sidewalk). I replied "Get a waiver, this is a special case," but never heard back on that suggestions. We can all organize pressure on Montepelier to get the waiver. I mean, lives are at stake. OR, let's turn that hill path landing pad into real city sidewalk. Whatever it takes, DPW and UVMMC, before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
Thanks, Neighbors, for speaking up for neighborhood safety!

Issue 6920202 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.

The Department of Public Works has resolved this request. Thanks for helping to keep Burlington a great place to live and work.

Thanks for fixing this request!