Pollock Pines | August 31, 2024 – In a community still healing from a heart-wrenching incident, Pollock Pines is witnessing long-awaited safety improvements on Pony Express Trail, where a year ago, five preschoolers were struck by a utility van while crossing the street.
The accident, which occurred in May 2023 near Oak Street during a field trip, prompted immediate calls for action. Now, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors has approved a series of upgrades, including the installation of rapid flash crosswalks at critical points along Pony Express Trail.
Local residents like Elizabeth Piearcy, who manages the nearby Knotty Pine Lanes, have welcomed these changes. Piearcy recalls a time when sidewalks and crosswalks were nonexistent, forcing pedestrians into the street. With children of her own, she expresses relief at the new safety measures, particularly as her kids catch the bus at one of the newly upgraded crossings. “It’s made it a lot safer for them not being right on the road,” she said.
The Pollock Pines Elementary School District has also voiced strong support for the improvements. With the school year underway, new sidewalks, crosswalks, and improved signage are expected to offer a safer environment for students walking to and from school, as well as participating in after-school activities.
Longtime resident John Le Pouvoir, who has lived in Pollock Pines for nearly two decades, emphasized the necessity of these changes. Reflecting on the tragic accident and the frequent speeding along Pony Express Trail, Le Pouvoir stated, “It’s good that it’s finally getting done, and hopefully now, with the new school year just firing up, these kids will be a little bit safer being out here.”
The project, which began in 2019, is expected to be completed by mid-September, marking a significant step towards ensuring the safety of Pollock Pines residents, particularly its youngest members.
