YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Too many “near misses” prompted base safety officials to close the crosswalk in front of Yokosuka’s Fleet Recreation Center this week.

While no one had been hit by a vehicle, the heavily trafficked footpath connecting the waterfront ships to the recreation center was unsafe, base traffic safety officer Michael Kretchmer said Wednesday.

“We had enough misses and close calls that we weren’t going to wait for something bad to happen,” he said.

The crosswalk was closed Monday and erased by Tuesday. Walkers now must climb the stairs and use the pedestrian overpass. The overpass does not have a handicapped-accessible elevator or ramp but those needing special services can use the crosswalk at the stoplight just a few yards away, Kretchmer said.

“The stoplight crosswalk is handicapped-accessible,” Kretchmer said. “This way it’s safer for everyone.”