Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Cole motion would calm dangerous section of Madison Road

Cincinnati City Councilmember Laketa Cole has introduced a motion for pedestrian-friendly traffic calming measures along Madison Road, between Red Bank Expressway and Stewart Avenue.

Due to a rise in topography and poor sight lines, many pedestrians have been hit while trying to cross in the marked crosswalk at Anderson Place, some from the nearby St. Paul Village retirement community.

On December 4, William Johnson, 65, was killed when a SUV driven by Daniel Albers of Anderson Township struck him in the crosswalk just before 7 AM.

Albers was charged with both vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter after police say he failed to yield.

Albers has entered a not guilty plea and is due in court today for a pre-trial.

"While I understand that there is a flashing pedestrian light, clearly, that has been insufficient," Cole says in a statement accompanying the motion.

Improvements to the crossing could include a new traffic light.

A report on the motion is due before council by March 11.