Another deadly accident has renewed calls for improved pedestrian safety on State Street in front of Springfield’s Central Library.
Last week, 56-year-old Gayle Ball, a supervisor of technical services and collections at the library, died after she was struck by a car while crossing the four-lane street. The police investigation is continuing. No charges have been filed.
In 2014, a child was killed at almost the same spot when she was struck by a drunken driver.
Last month, the city announced a traffic study of the area was underway that will produce safety recommendations.
This Sunday, WalkBike Springfield, a group of pedestrian safety advocates, will hold a vigil in front of the Central Library starting at 2 p.m.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Betsy Johnson of WalkBike Springfield. She is also president of the Armory-Quadrangle Civic Association, the neighborhood council that represents Springfield’s downtown neighborhood.