City officials did more than replace the pavement on Thurstin Avenue during recent construction – they also removed a safety device that provided security for pedestrians when crossing the congested area.

During construction, city administrators concluded that the crosswalk sign on Thurstin Avenue near Court Street may not meet the required regulations.

The concrete island had flashing lights to get drivers’ attention.

The device was removed until studies could be researched and analyzed, said Lori Tretter, public information officer for the city and assistant to the municipal administrator.

In its place are two small signs on each side of the road, telling drivers that pedestrians have the right-of-way.

A survey was conducted and was expected to be reported before the construction finished. But construction completed before the scheduled time, and survey results are still pending.

“In order to have an obstacle in the middle of the roadway, the road must be wide enough and traffic counts must support the need for it to be there,” Tretter said.

Although it was an oasis for pedestrians, it is a safety concern to have a fixed object in a road that might not be wide enough. The city will decide if the crosswalk device should be replaced when the results of the study are released in two weeks.

Many students are concerned with the removal of the device.

“With the object there, it was known that it was a crosswalk so drivers automatically slowed down. Students still think they have the right away, but it might not be as obvious to the drivers now,” said Nina Mlynek, sophomore.

Senior Becca Cohen would like to see the device put back in place.

“The blinking lights caused people to notice you walking, especially at night,” she said. “So many kids walk across there late at night, and there is nothing to get the drivers’ attention. It’s really dangerous without it.”

Chief James Wiegand, director of Public Safety, said the Campus Police Department understands student concerns.

“Anytime you have an area with numerous people and no traffic control, it is going to be dangerous,” he said. “However, the city requested us to monitor the area more.”

Both campus police and city police will be working to make this area safer.

“Between the two departments, there will be a visible presence to slow vehicles down and comply with the yield to pedestrians’ law,” he said.

The city recognizes the cross-walk is busy and drivers need to be reminded they must yield to pedestrians, Tretter said.

But if results show the road is too narrow for the device, it may be more of a hazard having it in the street than not.

“But do know that the city realizes it may be a problem for pedestrians not having the safety device, but we are trying to find a solution as quick as possible,” she said. “Until then, pedestrians need to watch out for their own personal safety.