As sprawl proliferates and teh suburbs are built out even more, proposals
like the one below will likely be more common.  If you want to comment,
postal and e-mail addresses are at the bottom.

kelly

Los Angeles times


Thursday, March 9, 2000

   News from Fountain Valley in the Times Community Newspapers

   Signals that chirp could be coming
   Advisory committee for the disabled to ask Fountain Valley council for
   audible traffic signals.

   By ANGELIQUE FLORES

        FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Terry Coakley has had too many close calls
   trying to cross the street.
        Cars fly past the sight-impaired Fountain Valley resident, in
   part becuse she has a hard time telling when the walk light is green.
        But that may not be a problem for Coakley much longer.
         Coakley, a member of the Fountain Valley Advisory Committee for
   the Disabled, has suggested the committee ask the city to install
   audible traffic signals at various intersections for blind, partially
   blind and elderly pedestrians.
        "Several of my friends have already been hit or had their canes
   whipped away by cars," she said.
         Audible traffic signals are attached to traffic lights and use a
   chirping signal to indicate the direction traffic is flowing.
        "It may make a little noise, but consider the noise the
   ambulances make," she said.
        The committee is preparing a report to be presented to the
   Traffic Advisory Committee for its review and analysis.
        Because the blind can hear traffic at busy intersections, the
   quieter streets will be the ones likely to receive an audible signal,
   said Don Heinbuch, the city's administrative services manager.
        Without the signals, Coakley says she finds herself walking miles
   out of her way just to cross at intersections where it's safer for
   her.
        "I go through shoes like you wouldn't believe," she said.
        Installation of the signals will cost the city about $2,000 for
   each intersection, Heinbuch said.
        "We want to try to meet the needs of all residents, not just the
   sighted ones," Heinbuch said.
        The advisory committee will meet again May 4. The group hopes to
   have the signals approved by the council by June.
        To assist the committee in their review, the public is welcome to
   offer suggestions about the intersections where audible traffic
   signals are needed, Heinbuch said.
        Suggestions can be made by calling 593-4412, sending a e-mail to
   [log in to unmask] or writing a letter to Administrative
   Services, Audile Traffic Signal Survey, 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain
   Valley 92708.


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