CORNELIUS – Town commissioners took steps Monday, July 16, toward making it safer for residents to cross the street at the busy Jetton Park intersection.

Commissioners unanimously approved a “high intensity, activated cross walk” or HAWK system, to be installed at the Jetton Park intersection after several close encounters where pedestrians were nearly hit by vehicles earlier this year.

“This is the best and cheapest option,” Town Manager Anthony Roberts told the board.

The HAWK system allows pedestrians can push a button to change the light.

There is now only a flashing yellow caution light at Jetton Park, as the intersection doesn’t meet N.C. DOT requirements for a full traffic light.