Traverse City commissioners tonight will consider authorizing the installation of equipment at the intersection of West Front Street and Elmwood Avenue designed to help pedestrians cross the busy corridor. The Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) includes dual-sided signs, rapid flashing beacons and push-button activation switches designed to "increase the visibility (of) pedestrians crossing the street," according to City Engineer Tim Lodge.

Traffic & Parking Control Company, which produces the RRFB, says the equipment produces "80 to 90 percent driver compliance in yielding to pedestrians at high-risk uncontrolled crossings." The city has received a quote of $9,506 for the RRFB from traffic signal equipment provider Carrier and Gable Inc., with funds available in the traffic calming portion of the city's capital projects fund. If approved tonight, Lodge says the equipment will be ordered and installed yet this fall.