Braintree crosswalks causing problems for people with disabilities

BRAINTREE, Mass. — Residents in Braintree say an intersection with crosswalk signals that don't always work is putting their lives at risk.

Crystal Evans says it's difficult to get around the busy South Braintree Square intersection in her wheelchair.

"The crosswalk buttons on this corner. The two of them have been broken constantly since October-ish, we keep reporting it. If it gets fixed, it's broken again within a day or two," said Evans.

Linda Hughes says it's often scary to cross the street with her dog Yani because the white cross signal flashes for less than seven seconds.

"Very dangerous, very, very dangerous," said Hughes. "It's very quick, very quick. Usually I wait 2 or 3 cycles of traffic."

Hughes is legally blind and relies on her guide dog to help her maneuver around.

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Chirping also comes from boxes on top of a crosswalk signal to alert visually impaired people that it is safe to cross the street. But at this intersection, where Central, Washington and Union avenues meet, is particularly dangerous because there is not chirping due to a broken box.

Hughes claims it's been silent for months.

Braintree Mayor Joe Sullivan is well aware of the issues and says the town is putting together a plan to address them.

"Fixing traffic lights, specifically audio, making sure they're up to a level of service is our commitment and it's going to fully implemented with this ADA compliance plan and we're going to spend the money necessary to get it done," said Sullivan.

Mayor Sullivan has proposed spending $300,000 in the next few years to make improvements.

Cox Media Group