LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign may get some upgrades to make it more pedestrian-friendly.
The Clark County Commission is looking to use a million dollar federal grant aimed at improving pedestrian areas around historic landmarks.
With no pedestrian crossing near the sign, many tourists who arrive on foot have to dart through traffic first.
"We thought there would be a crosswalk or something but there isn't, so we had to run across the street," Tessa Baker from Canada said.
The speed limit surrounding the sign is 45 mph.
"It's pretty dangerous. There should be a pedestrian crossing, definitely," Laurie Crawford from England said.
At Tuesday's commission meeting the Public Works department presented its proposal. It would include more street lamps, stronger traffic barriers and pedestrian crossings complete with flashing lights.
Some commissioners said that type of crossing would just delay the inevitable and should be taken a step further, especially considering how popular the destination is.
"I think we need a red light at the very least," Commissioner Susan Brager said.
"We should really look at a pedestrian cross access," Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said.
They discussed adding pedestrian bridges like the ones used on the strip. Those can cost $4.5 million to build with escalators and elevators. So they want to consider an ADA-compliant, trail-system bridge like the ones you see along Nellis. Those can cost about $750,000.
The commissioners voted to move forward with the proposal, but asked for more safety analysis. They want to see how much a bridge could cost and where it would go.
There is no word yet on when it will appear on the agenda again.
Back in April the commission secured $500,000 to add 20 more parking spots by the famous sign.
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