Keeping Pedestrians Safe on 8th Street

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By Ryan Simms

Story Published: Mar 10, 2010 at 7:28 PM PDT

YAKIMA -- Congestion, cars, and clogged sidewalks. A simple stroll near the Convention Center could put pedestrians at risk, and city officials are stepping-up to help.

Don Rowe just wants lunch. But getting to his favorite lunch spot can be a dangerous trek.

"There's quite a lot of confusion there when cars come through (8th Street)," he tells Action News reporter Ryan Simms.

Business is currently booming at the Convention Center, and 8th Street and Yakima Avenue can be a very crowded intersection. The danger is only growing.

Fortunately for pedestrians like Rowe, things are about to get a lot easier. Under a $1 million state grant, 8th Steet's sidewalks will be widened. In addition new pedestrian lights will be installed, as well as so-called "buffer zones" where people can gather more safely.

Construction will begin in the next month. City officials hope to complete the project by the end of the summer.

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