Pedestrians crossing Fifth Street near Rapid City Regional Hospital will soon have a safe harbor from the vehicles whizzing by.

The city is moving forward with plans to install a pedestrian refuge island between the four lanes of traffic to make the potentially dangerous crossing a little more foot-friendly. The Rapid City Council signed off on advertising for bids on the project last week.

"Fifth Street is only seeing more traffic as there's more development to the south," public works director Robert Ellis said. "We want to do everything we can to protect pedestrians as they cross."

Currently, flashing lights are activated by pedestrians, who press a button before entering the crosswalk.

The problem is, Ellis said, cars in the outer lane often block the lights and signs from view of vehicles in the inner lane, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

The most recent pedestrian count showed 289 people use the crosswalk between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Ellis said.

Rochelle Jefferson, a pathology assistant, carries surgical slides across Fifth Street about six times a day.

On Thursday afternoon, she pressed the button, paused and then ran across the street.

"It's like 'Frogger,'" Jefferson said, referring to the video game. "Within that block, people can get up to 40" miles per hour.

The pedestrian refuge island will allow walkers to cross two lanes of traffic and then wait for a safe gap before crossing the last two, Ellis said.

As part of the project, the flashing warning lights will also be moved overhead to allow them to be seen at all times.

Like Jefferson, many of the people using the crosswalk are trying to get between the hospital's main campus and the clinics across the street. The city worked closely with hospital administration on potential solutions, Ellis said.

Noel Schroeder, director of safety services, said they have received a number of complaints about the crosswalk. He crosses between the hospital and his office in the Black Hills Medical Building multiple times a day.

"When I do it, I just have to really take a lot of extra time making sure everyone's going to stop," Schroeder said.

"Fortunately, we've not had a pedestrian that's been hit, but it's safe to say we've had some near misses."

Vernon Osterloo, director of construction management, said in the past three to four years, he has witnessed at least four "very near misses" at the crosswalk.

"Three lanes may stop for you, and that last lane might not be paying attention and come running through at 25 mph," Osterloo said. "You have to be very alert at the present crosswalk."

Both are optimistic the refuge island and overhead flashing lights will improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.

"Time will tell, but it will definitely bring more awareness to the area," Schroeder said.

The project, estimated to cost $145,000, should be completed by the end of the year, Ellis said.

Contact Emilie Rusch at 394-8453 or emilie.rusch@rapidcityjournal.com.