As more people and more traffic compete for a finite amount of space, a Main Street built for horse and buggy puts pedestrians in proximity of vehicles whose weight and velocity never imagined in the 19th century.

The death last month of a Davidson College professor, after he was struck by a vehicle as he crossed Concord Road in a rainstorm, likely had as much to do with the elements as it did road design. Still, the tragedy illuminated — more effectively than any warning light ever could — the limited options of a town looking to separate people and automobiles in a long-established community where employing a bulldozer isn't an option.

Enter Doug Wright, Davidson's public works director, who immediately launched an informal study of the town's crosswalks, and who already has made substantial improvements.

Last week, Wright installed six pedestrian signs — actually mounted in the middle of the street, at four crossings along Concord Road, one on Main Street and one on Beaty Street.

He's putting in reflective street markings at crossings at six spots along Concord Road, three on Main Street and one on Beaty, and is considering "rectangular rapid flashing beacons" (RRFB) for several locations.

"I am still collecting speed data to make that recommendation (on RRFB's), but likely (will put) one on Concord Road at Baker Drive, and one on Beaty Road at Magnolia Drive," Wright says.

RRFB's are crossing signs with lights that are activated when a pedestrian pushes a button, much like a crossing signal.

"Also, the town leases street lighting from Duke Power, and we are working with Duke to design lighting improvements for Concord Road," Wright adds. "Design is about 75 percent complete" on those improvements.