Newberg adds solar-powered crosswalk safety system

The City of Newberg has finished a pedestrian safety upgrade at a busy residential crossing in Oregon, installing a solar-powered RRFB with integrated lighting to improve visibility and driver awareness. The project uses solar power to boost safety without major electrical work and was completed with Western Systems and Carmanah.

Why it matters: - The new crossing gives pedestrians a more visible place to cross near residential activity in Newberg, Oregon. - The solar-powered system is designed to improve driver awareness while avoiding a major electrical infrastructure project. - The upgrade shows how targeted safety investments can improve pedestrian crossings with less construction disruption.

What happened: - The City of Newberg completed a pedestrian safety improvement at a busy residential mid-block crossing. - The city installed a solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon system with integrated crosswalk lighting. - The project aims to improve crossing visibility for residents and visitors. - The City of Newberg and CPRD partnered with Western Systems and Carmanah to deliver the project from planning through commissioning. - Installation, system configuration, and field verification are complete, and the crossing is ready for daily operation.

The details: - The crossing includes Carmanah's R920-MX RRFB with an MX 300 solar module and crosswalk lighting. - The installation also includes pedestrian push-button activation, crossing signs, pavement markings, and solar-powered beacon assemblies. - Beacon assemblies are installed on both sides of the roadway. - Solar panels, integrated crosswalk lighting, pedestrian signage, and pavement markings work together to increase driver awareness and pedestrian visibility. - City staff highlighted the ease of field configuration using the MX App and Polara applications. - The system was configured and verified before being placed into service.

Between the lines: - Newberg is choosing a low-infrastructure approach to safety upgrades, which can make similar projects easier to deploy and maintain. - Solar-powered RRFB systems offer a flexible option for agencies that want better visibility at crossings without utility-related construction. - The project reflects a practical transportation strategy focused on specific problem locations rather than broad rebuilds.

What's next: - The crossing will operate as part of Newberg's daily transportation network. - The city is expected to continue prioritizing infrastructure improvements that support safety, mobility, and quality of life. - Agencies watching the project may view it as a model for future pedestrian safety upgrades at other crossings.

The bottom line: - Newberg's new solar-powered crossing is a targeted safety upgrade built to improve visibility fast, with minimal construction burden.