A radar sign is seen here in Malone. (Provided photo)

TUPPER LAKE — Communities across Franklin County are working to introduce more traffic calming measures to protect pedestrians in busy areas.

Earlier this winter, Tupper Lake installed two radar signs near Washington Street Park. A third mobile sign was also purchased; the Tupper Lake Police Department will use that sign during community events and in areas where speeding needs to be deterred, such as school zones.

All of the signs were purchased with support from The Heart Network’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program, which is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health. One of the core strategies for CHSC, Connecting Routes to Destinations, focuses on implementing policies, plans and projects in municipalities that promote active transportation and increase safe and accessible physical activity.

“Every year, we’re seeing more towns and villages adopt initiatives that improve safety for pedestrians,” said Phil Hans, director of the Franklin County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, which subcontracts with The Heart Network to implement Connecting Routes to Destinations initiatives. “More recently, we’ve been working with police departments to set up radar speed signs in high-traffic areas, which helps slow traffic speed and prevent accidents.”

Tupper Lake is the most recent community to work with The Heart Network to deploy traffic calming measures. Last year, Malone installed radar signs at several strategic locations, including State Street near Franklin Academy and the intersection of Webster Street and Hillsdale Terrace, near Davis Elementary School and the Malone Recreation Park.

“As superintendent, I’m grateful for the installation of the speed radar signs, funded through this valuable grant,” said Brandon J. Pelkey, superintendent of the Malone Central School District. “It’s made a noticeable difference in slowing traffic and increasing safety for our students, especially along a stretch of road with no sidewalks. This is a meaningful step toward creating a safer environment for everyone accessing our school.”

Going forward, The Heart Network will work with the towns of Brandon and Constable to help introduce similar traffic calming measures; both towns have already adopted complete streets policies that comprehensively address pedestrian safety.