Pedestrian crosswalk signal added to road through Spirit complex

The Spirit AeroSystems complex will gain another traffic light in an effort to protect employees and pedestrians.

A pedestrian crosswalk signal on MacArthur Road, about 650 feet west of Oliver, won unanimous approval from Sedgwick County commissioners. Public works staff did not recommend adding it because of traffic concerns.

It would serve Spirit employees who park south of MacArthur but need to get north of MacArthur to a security gate, said County Engineer David Spears.

Spears said they’ve discussed options for a crosswalk with Spirit for about nine months. Spears added he is worried that repeated use of the signal will back traffic up into Oliver. Other crosswalks west on MacArthur toward K-15 could also contribute to a backup of MacArthur traffic.

“Pedestrian safety is an important issue,” Spears said. “We’ve been working with the problem at this location for some time and have reached somewhat of an impasse of what action to take.”

Commissioner Jim Howell, whose district includes the area, said the crosswalk would provide more safety for hundreds of Spirit employees who need to cross MacArthur.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Howell said. “This would be better than status quo.”

Chairman Dave Unruh said he hardly ever goes against a staff recommendation, but voted for the crosswalk “in deference” to what Spirit wanted.

Commissioners David Dennis and Michael O’Donnell also voted for the crosswalk signal. Commissioner Richard Ranzau was absent.

The signal would cost an estimated $156,000.

This story was originally published August 16, 2017 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Pedestrian crosswalk signal added to road through Spirit complex."