MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A new crossing path with a new beacon is almost ready to operate for the students walking across Kinawa Drive.

Meridian Township and the Okemos School District have been working together on this project since summer. Previously there were two crosswalks at Kinawa Drive, located right next to the Chippewa Middle School. The original idea of this project was eliminating one crosswalk and using the other one to install new signs and beacons, so the students can cross the road more safely, however, in October an alternative plan was proposed.

"We decided that it would be better to create a brand new one in line with the doors of the school's exit, and eliminate two existing ones," said Derek Perry, Assistant Township Manager and Director of Public Works & Engineering at Meridian Township.

A new beacon will be installed which flashes yellow lights indicating when a student pushes the button in order to cross the road.

Since the crosswalk has been relocated, Consumer's Energy plans to install an electric power pole in order to make the new beacons work as well as a light to illuminate the crosswalk at night.

So far, all the concrete work is done including the new sidewalk, crosswalk, and the beacon has been installed. After Consumer's Energy places the electric pole and the new light, the crosswalk will be ready for use. The project is expected to be done by the end of this year.

Even though there were a few changes within the project, the budget of this project still remains the same. An estimate of $50,000 will be divided between the Township and the school district.