CHENEY, Wash. — A frequently used crosswalk at one of Cheney’s busiest intersections now features major safety upgrades.
The crosswalk sits at the intersection of First Street and Simpson-Parkway, right where State Route 904 highway ends. Hundreds of vehicles pass through this street daily. The Washington State Department of Transportation installed new flashing lights and a walk sign that functions similarly to a traffic light crosswalk.
When the lights turn red, drivers must come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
“A lot of people have a hard time crossing this road,” said Richard Fairman, who lives in Cheney.
He also mentions that cars usually speed in the area because it’s in the middle of multiple speed limit changes.
“On this side over here, it’s 45 and on that side it’s 35. So they’re going faster this way, than they are going into town,” Fairman explained.
“It’s hard to see anybody,” said Josh Kleven, who also lives in Cheney and uses the crosswalk regularly.
A group of nearby neighbors requested that the crosswalk be made safer, prompting the state’s Department of Transportation to undertake the project. Funding came from the 2025 – 2027 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, which if approved, allocates money to communities requesting safety features in areas that need them.
“I’m just hopeful that people will catch on and see that there is actually, you know, flashing lights. And that means something,” Kleven said.
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