PARIS — A pedestrian crossing in Market Square will be marked with high-visibility flashing beacons to aid people crossing Main Street. 

Selectmen on Monday night gave Town Manager Amy Bernard the green light to request a free flashing beacon from the Maine Department of Transportation to illuminate the crosswalk between the Paris Public Library and Market Square Restuarant’s parking lot.

The busy stretch of road leads to driveways for the Town Office, Paris Police Station, a nearby Irving gas station, Deering Memorial United Methodist and a host of downtown businesses.

At past selectmen meetings, residents said the intersection at Route 26 and 117 posed a danger for pedestrians trying to cross the street at night, and urged town officials to improve visibility at the crossing. 

The flashing beacons are typically mounted to poles placed at each end of the crossing, are pedestrian-activated and solar-powered. 

The equipment is free to municipalities, though only a limited number are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Towns are required to pay the state for the unspecified installation costs, Bernard said.  

According to library director Mike Dignan, crossing the street is a source of irritation for pedestrians, who say cars can’t see the faded white lines marking the crosswalk and simply don’t stop. 

“Considering the traffic, I usually take the back roads home,” Dignan said.