SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —  Crossing one of Springfield’s busiest streets will soon come easier.

From 2011 to 2016, there were nine reported pedestrian versus vehicle incidents on Glenstone between Kearney and I-44.

In that same time span, five pedestrian versus vehicle incidents were reported between Bennett and Cinderella.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is now installing two new crosswalks in hopes of deterring future incidents.

The crosswalks are located north of Kearney, halfway between Kearney and Evergreen– the other is north of Cinderella.

In the past five years, there have been several pedestrian versus vehicle accidents on that stretch of street– which is why MoDOT is hitting the gas pedal, taking the initiative to make the road safer for everyone.

“I see traffic is really thick,” said Pedestrian Garrett Dye.  “A lot of people come across for the gas station and motels and hotels.”

As drivers pass by on Glenstone, pedestrians are left to patiently wait for a chance to cross.

“I find me having to stand there 30 to 40 minutes sometimes to get across there,” said Dye.

“It’s challenging to cross five lanes of traffic safely,” said MoDOT Transportation Project Manager Kristi Bachman.

MoDOT is trying to make that trip across the street a little easier.

“Normally when we put in safety features, it really does make an impact,” said Bachman.

The department is in the process of installing two new mid-block pedestrian crossings on Glenstone near I-44.

“We will have a button people can push,” said Bachman.  “And it will engage a flashing signal for alerting traffic that people are wanting to cross the road.”

Drivers will be asked to pump the brakes when they see the flashing yellow lights.

“We want drivers to pay attention when the lights start flashing,” said Bachman.  “Stop and yield for pedestrians trying to cross.”

The two new cross-walks are just part of a nearly $493,000 safety project.

“These are places a lot of people are crossing more frequently than other places,” said Bachman.  “So that’s how they were selected.”

MoDOT hopes by adding the two crosswalks, the road will be a safer place for everyone.

“When pedestrians push the button, take that extra second to make sure traffic is stopping before you step out into traffic.”

The crosswalks should be complete and fully functioning by mid-September.

Crews will also be widening the eastbound I-44 off-ramp to Glenstone to create a second right turn lane for drivers wanting to travel south.