One of the flashing pedestrian beacons along main street in Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As road diet work continues along 1st Avenue in Jamestown, pedestrian safety has come more into focus for the Jamestown Police Department.

Police Chief Scott Edinger says as the project takes shape, some concerns have been brought up that he says the department and City are looking into.

He added that some of the issues they’re seeing can also be helped by members of the public. Now that flashing beacons are installed at intersections along main street, motorists need to start watching for pedestrians who are looking to cross. This includes intersections that don’t have beacons.

Chief Edinger says average speeds might be higher than normal, but they are seeing significant decreases along 1st Avenue now with the project with many traveling between 22 to 23 mph.

As far as enforcement, Chief Edinger says they’re looking at special enforcement details that will help with traffic and pedestrian crossings down main street. He added they would possibly include enforcement at other “problem” pedestrian crossings in the city.

Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks will result in a $50 fine and points on your driver’s license. If it involves distracted driving, the points and fine go up significantly after that.

Chief Edinger says pedestrians can also take precautions when crossing streets in the city.