HOLLISTON, Mass. — Nearly three years after a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in a Holliston crosswalk, the town is introducing a key change that represents a lasting legacy for the victim.
Beginning Wednesday morning, pedestrians and drivers will see Holliston's first downtown traffic lights, paving the way for pedestrian crossings that aren't forced to compete with oncoming traffic.
The decision comes following a tragic night in 2015, when Karen Evers, a mother of two, was struck by an out-of-state driver while crossing Washington Street in Holliston.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her," Michael Evers, Karen's brother, said. "She was thrown 64 feet."
Now, just five months away from the three-year anniversary of Evers' death, change is finally being enacted.
"The problem I have is they knew they were dangerous," Michael Evers said. "There had been complaints about them before, and they did nothing. Someone actually said it would take somebody getting killed before they fixed it."
John Paltrineri, owner of Fiske's General Store, was there the night Evers was fatally struck, and said the incident sparked a change.
"I think that is probably what really spurred everyone to finally vote to get this done," Paltrineri said. "It's the right thing to do."
Kate Lamontagne, owner of Kamala Boutique, said the fix is one she is happy to endorse.
"I've had so many customers tell me they will not come to me because it's too hard to park, and it's too dangerous to try and cross the street," Lamontagne said.
Now, Evers' brother says he takes comfort in knowing something positive came from his sister's death.
"I hope that this is the last person to be killed, at least in Holliston, in that crosswalk," Michael Evers said.
The crosswalk where Evers was killed is now gone after being removed as part of the overall project.
The pole that was there, however, is still present, and is always adorned with flowers placed their by her son.
While the flowers may wilt, the grief those who loved Evers lasts.
"I held her hand, kissed her on the forehead and said goodbye," Michael Evers said. "That's my last memory of her."
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Over the next two weeks, the town will monitor traffic flow and the timing of traffic signals to make any needed adjustments.
The Holliston Police Department is advising drivers to allow for extra time while traveling in the area.