Speed humps coming in 2023 to street where 6-year-old boy was killed by driver
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Community members in Pittsburgh's Glen Hazel neighborhood met with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and his staff to discuss what they call a dangerous intersection.
On Wednesday, the city met with concerned residents who wanted to hear how officials plan to make the intersection safer where 6-year-old Jamel Austin was killed.
Rhonda Wood is charged with homicide by vehicle, voluntary manslaughter and careless driving in connection with the incident. Pittsburgh police say on July 26, Wood hit and killed Austin, who was riding his bike at the intersection on Johnston Avenue in Glen Hazel.
Wood told police that she came to a stop sign and stopped. Then, after accelerating again, she heard a thump and saw the boy in the street. But police believe Wood blew through the stop sign because she was distracted and talking on her cell phone.
Austin's family and neighbors have demanded action at that intersection, which many said is known for speeding. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
Family members have told KDKA-TV that they want speed humps, a traffic light, the speed limit reduced, and most importantly, a permanent crossing guard during the school year.
Gainey and his staff said Wednesday at the meeting that speed humps will be added next spring.
"We want to make sure we are doing what's right. We want to make sure that what we can do, that no other child up here gets injured or dies," Gainey said. "That's our number one priority."
Recently, city crews painted the word "slow" on the street. There are also signs that read "Slow down, Jamel Austin's friend's play here."
Gainey said lowering the speed limit to 15 miles per hour along the street is unlikely.
"I don't know if that's a state law," Gainey said. "That's something we have to look out for. But from what I've been told, you have to be inside the school zone for it to be 15."
City officials said hiring more crossing guards right now is tough because of manpower issues. Austin's grandmother started working as a de-facto crossing guard in the area.
"I'm going out there every day for free, using my resources," Dashieba Wilder said. "I applied online and with a written application. I still haven't gotten a phone call from the crossing guard."
She and others want to see the speed humps now.
"He was just a baby," Wilder said. "You are talking about next year. I'm talking about tomorrow, before it be somebody else's grandson."
Wood is due back in court next month.
