A sign has been installed on a median next to the University Avenue overpass the day after a 46-year old man, identified Wednesday as John Patrick Miller, was killed there in a suspected hit-and-run incident. The sign prohibits pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorbikes from using the bridge, and directs walkers to use the pedestrian bridge (although without providing directions to it).
When the fatal accident occurred, no signs were present on the east end of the overpass, which connects University Avenue to the I-80 ramps and the Berkeley Marina. The incident raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Several Berkeleyside readers suggested walkers should be informed that a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the highway is located just a few blocks to the north south, near the intersection of Addison Street and Bolivar Drive.
Speaking at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Berkeley City Manager Christine Daniel said the sign was reinstalled on Tuesday afternoon in response to questions about the incident.
As revealed by Berkeleyside, the area did use to have a sign indicating that pedestrians were prohibited from crossing the overpass — Google Street View caught it on camera in April 2011. Google Maps currently directs walkers headed west to take the overpass.
The pedestrian killed has been identified as John Patrick Miller, 46, according to the Alameda County Coroner’s Office. No place of residence was given. Miller died because of “extensive blunt trauma.”
Related:
Berkeley hit-and-run raises concerns for safety (07.15.13)
Hit-and-run kills pedestrian on Berkeley overpass (07.15.13)
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