Gateway85 CID Improvements Enhance Pedestrian Safety Along Busy Stretch on South Norcross Tucker Road
South Norcross Tucker Rd. between Jimmy Carter Blvd. and Old Norcross Tucker Road sees heavy pedestrian and vehicle activity daily. In August 2013, three children were hit by a car while crossing at Graves Road just off South Norcross Tucker Road and just 5 days later, a pedestrian was hit and killed crossing South Norcross Tucker Road. In addition to the incidents in 2013, between 2000 and 2008, the ¾ mile segment of South Norcross Tucker Road had four pedestrian fatalities and four serious injuries. PEDS, a local pedestrian advocacy group, has identified this stretch of road as the greatest hotspot for pedestrian crashes in Gwinnett County.
After a study to identify the best approach, Gateway85 Community Improvement District (CID) officials determined a mid-block crossing would offer the most beneficial safety features for pedestrians crossing the road. The mid-block crossing reduces pedestrian conflicts by alerting vehicles of pedestrian traffic with Rectangular Rapidly Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and signage. Construction of a median and a signalized mid-block crossing at two locations along the stretch were completed in October 2017.
Since the project’s completion, there have been no pedestrian injuries or fatalities along this stretch of road.
Last week, Gwinnett County Police from the Westside Precinct hit the streets to educate pedestrians about how to use the crosswalk. Police answered questions and walked with people as they learned how to use the signal and cross safely. “Mundo Hispanico” covered the initiative on FaceBook Live. Since then, the video has been viewed over 600,000 times and shared more than 2,000 times…spreading the word throughout the community of this important initiative.
“We are pleased to see the mid-block crossings being put to good use providing safe passage for pedestrians,” says Robert Michener, Director of Operations and manager of the construction project. Gateway85 CID continues to identify opportunities for safety and mobility improvements throughout the district, which spans the I-85 corridor in Southwest Gwinnett County. For more information on Gateway85 CID projects, visit www.gateway85.com or contact Tammy Thompson, Communications Manager at tammy@gateway85.com or (770) 449-6542.
