The University took a step toward addressing safety concerns on South Street by having the city install two blinking yellow traffic lights Wednesday at the crosswalk adjacent to the Foster Mods.Waltham's Traffic Committee approved the project in the spring, months after the University made its most recent request, said Mark Collins, vice president for campus operations.

The flashing lights have not been turned on yet, Director of Public Safety Ed Callahan said.

While he said he was happy to finally see the lights in place, Collins said pedestrians using the crosswalk need to be aware they do not guarantee a safer crossing.

"People still need to understand that this is only a blinking yellow light," he said. "Even if it was a red light, people still have to be careful [crossing the street]."

At least three pedestrians have been struck by vehicles on South Street in the last six years.

The two lights are supported by poles also holding street signs, along with a button-activated crosswalk light. The project cost the University about $20,000, Collins said.

Brandeis students who lived in the Foster Mods initially asked for traffic lights over three years ago, when the University placed in its first request with the city, Waltham Transportation Director Franklin Ching told the Justice in April. The city's Traffic Commission initially approved the request, but it was later denied by the Waltham police department, Ching said.

Collins said he went before the Traffic Commission this spring. Members of the commission, including the traffic commissioner, fire and police chiefs, supported the University's request, and installation was completed last week.

Collins praised the city for its response to the University's request for the traffic lights. "The city was a good partner," he said, "I think they recognize it's a tough crossing."

"We went with a legitimate request for the safety of our students," he added.

Ching said the crosswalk gives pedestrians a "false sense of security" because many mistakenly believe cars are required by law to stop for anyone who is waiting to use the crosswalk. He said state law only requires cars to stop for pedestrians when they are actually crossing the street. Ching said he has seen many people walk into the street without paying attention to traffic.

"It is not the most ideal situation for a crosswalk," he said.