Solon to Count Traffic, Explore Flashing Lights at SOM Horse Crossing

Solon's safety committee decided to conduct a basic traffic count at the intersection of SOM Center Road and Hawthorne Parkway, a first step as officials try to about the dangers of crossing the road.

The intersection at the entrance of the South Chagrin Reservation is the location of a popular horse and bicycle crossing, and many residents are concerned about its safety, saying that drivers are tearing through without concern for horses and pedestrians crossing.

Residents want a traffic light at the intersection of SOM Center Road and Hawthorne Parkway, but that's not an option because of state rules that determine where signals can go, said Solon Traffic Engineer Kevin Westbrooks.

Instead, Westbrooks pitched the idea of a signal with flashing yellow lights that come on when a rider or pedestrian hits a button.

"It's not going to solve all the problems," Westbrooks said. "I know people would like something that physically stops traffic, and that’s not what this is going to do. But it will bring attention to the crossing."

While residents are concerned about the crossing, Police Chief Chris Viland said it may be mostly perception. Since 2005, there have only been three accidents at the intersection, Viland said.

The safety committee asked Westbrooks to come back with more information, including estimated cost, on his flashing-light option. But in the meantime, the committee asked staff to conduct the count in the off chance that it does qualify for a traffic light.

Westbrooks is confident it won't warrant a traffic signal.

The study will cost about $1,000, he said.