To the editor:
The intersection of South McKay Ave. and Sixth Ave. in Alexandria desperately needs a painted crosswalk on all four sides, along with "Pedestrian Crossing" signs. As a resident of the area, I have observed the difficulty of children, teens, adults, and elders trying to cross McKay or Sixth Ave. I myself have had this problem.
Although the speed limit in this intersection is posted at 30 mph, drivers approaching the area have only recently been driving at higher speeds coming north on McKay or coming off of Highway 82 (Highway 27). In fact, when traffic turns off Highway 82 onto McKay, the 30 mph sign is currently largely invisible due to tree branches, until one is right on top of the sign. Also, traffic on Sixth Ave. East is often driving above the speed limit.
If the pedestrian area were better marked, perhaps 18-year-old Maya Laina Ayala would not have been struck by a car on June 5. I urge other community members to contact local authorities about the need for a marked crosswalk at this intersection.
Julie McCarty
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Alexandria, MN
