Metroparks Will Contribute to SOM Center Horse-Crossing Project

The Cleveland Metroparks are willing to split the cost of installing a pedestrian signal at the popular crossing at SOM Center Road and Hawthorne Parkway.

"Cleveland Metroparks supports the goal of the project to create a safer environment for trail users to cross SOM Center Road," wrote Richard Kerber, director of planning, design and natural resources for the Metroparks, in an April 4 letter to the city.

Since a number of horse-riding enthusiasts told Solon's safety committee last summer they were , city officials have been to improve the perceived safety of the crossing. Residents say that drivers are too distracted and driving too fast.

Riders have said they wanted a traffic light, but Traffic Engineer Kevin Westbooks said the intersection doesn't warrant a light.

Instead, Westbrooks came up with the idea of creating a series of flashing lights that would be activated by a rider or walker so that cars driving up and down SOM Center would be alerted that someone was using the crosswalk.

That solution would cost an .

City officials have reached out to the Metroparks asking for the input and a contribution. The Metroparks wrote the city a letter on April 4 saying that they were willing to combine the crossing for the all-purpose trail and the bridle trail into one crossing at the park's expense.

They also would be willing to contribute up to $20,000 toward the cost of the signal.

The city's safety and public properties committee plans to discuss the project at its meeting this Wednesday at .