Pedestrian flags set to be installed at roundabout in Covington

Handheld pedestrian flags were installed Nov. 10 near Kentwood High School.

Handheld pedestrian flags were installed Nov. 10 near Kentwood High School.

The flags were installed in an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians at the crosswalks of the roundabout near the intersection of SE 256th and 164th Avenue SE.

The city of Covington’s Public Works Department installed the holders for the flags.

The city has also applied for Safe Routes to School funding, a media release from the city said, from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The funding would help install eight flashing beacons, two at each crosswalk, at the roundabout.

The handheld flags were installed while the city waits to hear if it will receive funding from the WSDOT.

“While pedestrians will be able to utilize the flags, the city reminds drivers of their responsibility to navigate the roadways responsibly and in accordance with the law, which states that drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks,” the release stated.