Walking across Fourth Street may become a little easier this spring.

A flashing pedestrian light was approved by Mayor Dan Cougill last week to help increase safety on Eastern’s campus.

Cougill approved the light’s installation for Fourth Street near Coleman Hall after being prompted by discussions with the Student Senate on the benefits it would provide.

“It really was a compromise,” he said. “(The senate and I) agreed we would try it and see how it works out.”

Cougill said he hopes it will give cars more of a warning to stop for students. The crosswalk symbol on the street is just not enough to get cars to stop, he said.

He hopes it will be installed sometime in the spring.

“It’s going to take awhile,” he said. “We have to run all the electrical lines when the weather gets warmer.”

The cost of the project belongs to the city of Charleston; however, the cost of the flashing pedestrian light is undetermined at this point, Cougill said.

The purpose of the light is to improve student safety, something Cougill said is very important.

Art Mitchell, police officer of the University Police Department, said putting the flashing light on Fourth Street will be beneficial to the students and townspeople.

He said he hopes the light will create more cautious drivers on the street.

“I’ve noticed more reckless drivers down on that street,” he said. “Much more than on Ninth Street.”

Carol Strode, interim director of facilities and management, said she believes the effect it will have on the campus will be positive.

“Yes, I do believe it will be beneficial,” she said. “It will slow traffic down and allow the students who use (the street) a safer crossing.”