MACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb commissioner Elaine Lucas and commissioner-elect Stanley Stewart held a news conference on Monday about the newly-installed medianettes on Gray Highway.
Lucas says it's the first major highway in the county where they are implementing a master plan to protect pedestrians.
"We were able to forge a better working relationship with [the Georgia Department of Transportation]," Lucas said. "They have come up with a comprehensive plan for improving the safety on this road. It includes what's called the medianettes, which are sort of a refuge for people who choose unwisely to cross the road."
Bibb leaders are still in talks to add an additional "Hawk" crosswalk system to the highway, which would allow pedestrians to click a button to stop traffic temporarily.
Lucas says she is "passing the baton" to Stewart to continue her safety efforts when he takes office next year.
"My goal is to just continue with what she's been doing for the last number of years with my next four years to make sure that people are safe," Stewart said.
Bibb commissioners are pledging to expand road safety measures to other parts of Macon, like Eisenhower Parkway and Emery Highway. They are looking to educate others about pedestrian safety.
Leshaun Jackson says he often bikes and walks around Eisenhower Parkway to get from place to place. He says many people who travel along these roads take a big risk.
"I have to walk through this parking lot because it's busy and there's a blind spot," Jackson said. "There's no lights. People live over here and they go to the store and laundromat. The sidewalks need to be a little more clean...some lights so that the drivers could see."
Leshaun says similar safety measures on Gray Highway could provide the same level of comfort to pedestrians on Eisenhower.
"I would love for them to cut and keep it where people can use that to walk, instead of walking on the side or where the grass at," Jackson said.
Lucas has announced her campaign for Macon Water Authority, but she says she will continue expanding pedestrian safety around Macon.
"I'm pledging to continue the work and the support, and he's pledging to continue the projects that are underway that will continue to bring about safety, not only for the east side of town, but for all of Macon," Lucas said. "This is just something that will never end. It's a project that's got to be ongoing, and so we're going to continue to work together to make sure that this progress continues."