Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — New signage featuring braille and raised text have appeared above crosswalk push buttons across Somerville.
“I think it’s a great thing to be able to have,” Sommerville resident Lauren said. “I think its just helpful to be able to let people reorient with the technology we have on our phones, but also if you get lost, being able to do it this way,” Lauren added.
Those who are local know the areas where these signs will most come in handy, like at the corner of Newbury Street and Holland Street in Sommerville.
“This is a pretty well-known intersection for cars to really buzz through, so this is a good thing and it’s new and it’s going to drive some good attention to the right places,” local man Justin said.
The new signage will alert people to the presence of a button they can push to activate vibrating signal that lets them know when to cross the street.
“It sounds like a great accessibility feature, the more people that are able to get around the city the better,” Tufts student Angelica said.
“Especially in areas where there’s students or people who don’t have cars, having these kind of walkability features really helps us get around,” Tufts student Cole said.
There are 200 new signs being installed across the city. Sommerville officials say the project should be complete over the coming weeks.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.