Update: Sept. 23
The Town of Leland is excited to move forward with an updated plan to enhance pedestrian safety along Town Hall Drive, funded primarily by the $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Demonstration Grant. To maximize the impact of the grant, the project’s scope and location have been adjusted. Under the new plan, the Town will install rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at two interior crosswalks along Town Hall Drive.
RRFBs flash in a rapid, alternating pattern when activated, making pedestrians more visible to drivers. This added safety feature will improve accessibility and strengthen connections across Town Hall Drive for visitors to the Brunswick Center at Leland, Founders Park, and Town Hall.
The beacons are effective both day and night, helping alert drivers and assisting pedestrians, including individuals with visual impairments and older adults.
Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by the end of the year.
The Town of Leland has been awarded $15,000 through the AARP Community Challenge Demonstration Grant to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility. The funds, provided with support from Toyota Motor North America, will be used to install eight audible pedestrian signals (APS) at existing crosswalks along Village Road Northeast, Northgate Drive, and Lee Drive.
APS systems emit audible alerts indicating when it is safe to cross the street, which can be especially helpful for seniors or individuals with disabilities. The selected intersections are located in a high-traffic area, improving access to medical facilities, shopping centers, and other key destinations.
These signals will be the first of their kind installed in Leland and represent a significant step forward in advancing the Town’s goals outlined in Leland 2045 and the Age-Friendly Community Strategic Plan. Both plans prioritize investments in infrastructure that support mobility and accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities.
“This project is an important step toward creating a safer, more inclusive Leland for all,” said Mayor Brenda Bozeman. “By enhancing accessibility at key intersections, we’re ensuring that our Town continues to grow in a way that meets the needs of every resident.”
This year, AARP awarded funding to 383 nonprofit and government organizations nationwide. Only 60 were selected to receive the Demonstration Grant. Learn more about the AARP Community Challenge Demonstration Grant program.
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