Lamar gets safer

Yesterday, the Austin Transportation Department activated a new traffic signal at the intersection of Toomey Road and South Lamar Boulevard as part of a series of changes to the corridor that promise to make the area safer. According to a press release from the city, in addition to the signal, the city will add “new ADA-accessible pedestrian crossings across South Lamar, a modification to the existing median on South Lamar Boulevard at Butler Road using delineator posts, and a new turn lane on eastbound Toomey Road. Once completed, the improvements will provide immediate and significant safety relief to this section of South Lamar Boulevard by increasing access for pedestrians, limiting vehicle turning movements at Butler Road, and reducing unprotected left-turns at Toomey Road.” ATD Director Robert Spillar explained, “These two intersections saw a combined 78 wrecks between Jan. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2015. … We’re excited to be able to provide improvements that address a documented safety concern, provide new pedestrian crossings in a high-demand area, and fulfill a recommendation included in the South Lamar Corridor Improvement Program.”