Flashing light crosswalk approved

A precarious crosswalk connecting the library and community center across Roop Street got approval Wednesday for installation of flashing lights by the end of this year.

Regional Transportation commissioners approved $20,000 from the city budget to install a lighting system similar to one used at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

The system, which recently received a federal endorsement, will cover 40 feet of street, and will be activated by a button similar to a traffic signal.

The dangers of that section of Roop Street were highlighted by a pedestrian death in 1999.

Jerry Joe Jenkins, a self-employed construction worker, ran through a crosswalk on July 4, 1999 on Roop Street near the Carson City Library and struck Brenda Jarman, 41. Jarman died later at Washoe Medical Center.

She and three family members were on their way to watch the fireworks show at Mills Park. Her son Derek Austin injured his knee as he ran out of the way of Jenkins' pickup.

Jenkins is currently serving an eight-20 year prison sentence for drunken driving, causing the death.

In other business, a decision to fund a pedestrian/bike path to run adjacent to Highway 395 between Stewart and Colorado streets was delayed until the commission's November meeting.

Funding of the path, which would be a cooperative project with Nevada Department of Transportation and its expansion of Carson Street from four to six lanes, would cost the city approximately $32,000.

The commissioners had questions about the expected foot traffic on that path and the future of the National Guard building, which is being vacated.

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