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After several years of petitioning for safer streets, the parent community at Alamo Elementary School will finally get their wish.

Part of the Alamo Pedestrian Improvements Project, the Contra Costa County Public Works Department installed flashing lights at the crosswalk and in advance of the crosswalk at Livorna and Wilson roads. When activated, the crosswalk will emit rapid alternating bursts of light to alert motorists that pedestrians and bicyclists are crossing the roadway.

"It is important that we continue to create safe routes to school in our community," said Supervisor Candace Andersen. "It both relieves traffic congestion and is great exercise for students."

Over 320 students attend Alamo Elementary and though many who walk to school come through the back of campus, both parents and staff expressed concern about those who cross busy Livorna Road.

"Every year, I'll get parents that will email me with concerns - a near miss, bad driving behavior," said Alamo Elementary Principal Stan Hitomi told the Express last year. "It's common enough that it concerns me. We don't want to wait for something to happen and we can tell just by looking at the crosswalk that it's very dangerous and needs to be corrected."

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