A flashing pedestrian crossing light has been installed at the intersection of Route 33 and Grape Run Road in Hightstown Borough to improve pedestrian safety.
Highstown Borough Mayor Lawrence Quattrone and state Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) unveiled the new pedestrian crossing light on Feb. 14.
The intersection was the site of an accident that injured a Highstown High School student in 2017, Hightstown Borough officials said.
Although the student was not seriously injured, the accident triggered a request by Mayor Quattrone and Assemblyman Benson to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to take steps to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection.
Several pedestrians have been struck by cars at the intersection, besides the one that injured the Hightstown High School student, Mayor Quattrone said.
The new flashing pedestrian crossing light will help the town to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the street, and also to alert motorists of the presence of the crosswalk, the mayor said.
Hightstown Borough officials cited studies by the Federal Highway Administration which state that the flashing pedestrian crossing lights have been shown to reduce the number of pedestrian versus car accidents.
“There have been too many close calls at this intersection, endangering everyone – but especially the many students who use it to walk to school,” Assemblyman Benson said. He chairs the Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
“Making our streets safe and accessible is my top priority. I am pleased to welcome this crosswalk as the latest installment to make Hightstown safer for all of its residents,” Assemblyman Benson said.