Kent State and the City of Kent will install street lights at the Lester E. Lefton Esplanade crossings of South Willow and South Lincoln Street.

In a resolution, both parties agreed to pay $50,000 each for the project. The agreement said the university and City of Kent saw a rise in pedestrian movement near the crossing.

“After working with the police and the city, we realized that it should be brighter for pedestrian safety there,” said Michael Bruder, executive director of facilities, planning and design.

The resolution said the most cost effective way to install the street lights is to expand Kent State’s existing lighting circuits.

“With the continued development along the Esplanade (along with) continued foot traffic increasing up along the Esplanade … especially in the later hours of the night, we want the crossings lit so that vehicles can see the pedestrians,” said Jim Bowling, City of Kent superintendent of engineering and deputy service director.  

In January 2018, a pedestrian was hit at night near the Lincoln Street Esplanade crossing.

Kent State must submit plans for the lights to the City for review.

In agreement with the City of Kent, the university will be responsible for managing, constructing and installing the lighting project. The installation is estimated to start in the spring of next year and be finished by the end of June 2019.

Sarah Limas is the construction reporter. Contact her at [email protected]