Replacing ADA non-compliant crosswalks

Our beautiful Town of Sharon has 16 brick crosswalks. They are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When bricks are worn and cracked, they become dangerous to people with mobility impairments and women walking on high heels. And damaged brick crosswalks are also unfriendly to wheelchair and scooter users. Presently, the Town has funds to replace only four of the brick crosswalks with asphalt.

Town Engineer Peter O’Cain asked the Sharon Commission on Disabilities which four crosswalks need replacing first. A Commission member took pictures of the 16 crosswalks. Then the Commission examined the photos and concluded that the most dangerous ones are on Main Street to East Street, Chestnut Street (by Town Hall), Main Street to Chestnut Street (CVS/Town Hall Parking Lot to Wilber School Apts), East Chestnut Street, and Chestnut Street. Those four crosswalks are going to be replaced this summer, Mr. O’Cain stated. He added the Town is seeking additional funding for replacing the other 12 crosswalks.

Commission members informed Mr. O’Cain that the timing on the crossing lights doesn’t give wheelchair and scooter users enough time for crossing the street. He increased the timing on the crossing lights from 24 to 30 seconds. To further increase the safety to cross our crosswalks. Mr. O’Cain is now working to have the old lights replaced with modern countdown-style pedestrian signal crossing lights. The Commission wants to thank him for working with us to make the crosswalks and crossing the street safe for people with and without disabilities.