New York Officials Target Safety on Dangerous Roadway

Safety upgrades are planned for a New York highway that has averaged five pedestrian deaths annually since 2005.

Officials in Nassau County are targeting repainted crosswalks, increased signal time for walkers, and upgraded crossing signals.

Newsday reports the changes are coming to Hempstead Turnpike.

The 16-mile roadway that runs through the center of the county has seen an average of five pedestrian deaths annually between 2005 and 2011.

State transportation officials say further safety improvements are also being studied.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a transportation advocacy group, ranks roads for pedestrians annually.

Hempstead Turnpike has topped its list of most dangerous roads for walkers in the New York region four times.