Flashing beacons now highlight crosswalks

With the press of a button, drivers can be alerted to people crossing East Baltimore Street at two busy intersections in Greencastle.

Rapid flashing beacons were activated Friday at the intersections with Linden Avenue and Allison Streets.

People who want to cross Baltimore Street just press a button to get the flashing signals, making them more visible to drivers who are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

"The activation of the flashing beacons at Baltimore and Linden and Allison emphasizes more safety for those students who walk to and from school in that area," said Dr. Kendra Trail, Greencastle-Antrim School District superintendent. "I appreciate the steadfastness of past Borough Manager Eden Ratliff and current Borough Manager Lorraine Hohl in seeing this project to completion."

The crosswalk safety improvements have been on the table for years, predating the superintendent as well as the two most recent borough managers.

The borough and school district joined forces to make it safer for people crossing Baltimore Street and in May 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation awarded a Green Light-Go grant of $43,677 for the crosswalk signals. There initially was a local $10,000-plus match to be split between the Borough of Greencastle and the G-A School District.

However, the paperwork took a long time to complete then bids came in $20,000 higher than expected. The installation moved forward in 2019 after the borough and school district agreed to pay more and a contract for $75,000 was awarded to Wyoming Electric and Signal.