Officials want public's input for pedestrian safety along Independence Boulevard

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation and leaders from Charlotte and Matthews want the public’s input on how to fix the problem of pedestrians crossing Independence Boulevard at crosswalks and in the middle of the road.

"We do know it's a risky road to cross," said Brian Mayhew, an engineer with the NCDOT.

Officials released a survey for people to fill out.

They are looking at how many people have been hit by vehicles and how to reduce the risk.

Officials are looking at the entire span of Independence Boulevard between Interstate 277 in Charlotte and Interstate 485 in Matthews.

[9 Investigates: Pedestrians risking it all to cross Independence]

Carolyn Millen is the president of the Eastway Sheffield Park Neighborhood Association. The area backs up to Independence Boulevard, and she wants a change because she said it is a major safety concern.

"It's up to us, as humans, to take the responsibility not to try and cross 65- to 75-mph traffic,” Millen said. “There is nothing NCDOT can do to correct human nature."

State and local officials will start developing a plan of action in the summer of 2019 and hope to have recommendations drafted in the spring of 2020.

"So, we're really several months away from being able to take the survey information and other information and then be able to come up with recommendations," Mayhew said.

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Cox Media Group