Officials urge caution at downtown crosswalk when visiting jail

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is reminding motorists to be aware of pedestrians crossing Second Street in the crosswalk in front of the county jail.

The crosswalk, described as extremely busy by the department, is used by people making visits to the jail, by employees and by people who are meeting with deputies about cases, Sheriff Matt Myers said. Counselors, attorneys, those visiting the jail for sheriff’s sales, ministers, tour groups, sales representatives and others routinely cross the street at the marked crosswalk, he said.

“I have witnessed traffic accidents in front of the jail, along with numerous close calls as pedestrians attempt to cross the street,” Myers said.

The department has taken steps to improve pedestrian safety, by posting pedestrian crossing signs, updating sidewalk ramps and striping the roadway, spending about $12,000 for improvements, Myers said. However, some motorists are not stopping when pedestrians are in the crosswalk, he said.

The department is continuing to discuss installing flashing warning lights for the crosswalk with the Indiana Department of Transportation, but state officials say the cost exceeds justification, Myers said.

Myers asked motorists to slow down in the area of the crosswalk and to yield the right of way to pedestrians who already are in the crosswalk when vehicles approach. He also asked pedestrians to watch for oncoming traffic before heading into the crosswalk.