Pedestrian safety continues to be potentially enhanced as the town continues to add more solar-powered crosswalk warning lights in Cochrane neighbourhoods.

Earlier this spring the first of three being installed this year was placed on the busy Sunset Boulevard where it meets Sunset Common/Sunset Way. It won't be long before another is established on 1st St. E. near the Holy Spirit. Later on, one will be installed this summer on the conjunction of George Fox Trail and Crawford Drive.

It's been 10 years since the town installed its first pedestrian warning lights on Quigley Drive and they've have been stepping up their installation in recent years. By the end of 2021, they'll be 22 in prime locations in the community.

Within its current three-year capital plan, the town intends to install three annually in the highest warranted locations. The town has also set aside money to evaluate locations around RancheView School.

Rick Deans, Senior Infrastructure manager, says the flashing lights remain in high demand.

"There have always been numerous requests for these devices, which is why we use an established evaluation process (traffic warrant process) to ensure the safety criteria at each site are understood and qualified," explains Deans.

The town does, though, invite residents to suggest locations or further consideration.

LED lights and larger solar panels are now utilized for crosswalk warning lights and that has both improved visibility and lowered material costs. The town finds savings, too, in having them installed by their crews.

While the warning lights are more common and better, caution is always advised.

"When conditions are optimum, with proper use, the signals are effective in creating a safer crossing location for pedestrians," says Deans."It is important to remember that both motorists and pedestrians need to remember the rules of the road and always use caution when crossing a street, even at a marked crosswalk location."