DOWNEY - The city of Downey has been approved for a federal grant to purchase and install pedestrian countdown heads at 20 predetermined signalized intersections throughout the city.Pedestrian countdown heads are devices that let pedestrians know how much time they have to cross the street. The countdown timer is intended to enhance pedestrian safety by discouraging people to cross the street when there is insufficient time to do so, city officials said. The city's contractor, Republic Intelligent Transportation Services, Inc., is already in the process of installing the countdown heads. Installation at all 20 intersections should be complete by the end of February. The city also received a federal grant to upgrade signs and pavement markings within local school zones. Traffic control devices - such as warning lights and speed limit signs - will be upgraded "to enhance safety for school-age children and the public at large," city officials said Wednesday. Prestige Striping Service Inc. began work on the project Feb. 4 and is currently retrofitting signs around schools in north Downey. The entire project should be completed by mid-March.

********** Published: February 17, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 44