The intersection of Bronson and Arlington avenues is dangerous and needs a traffic light to protect pedestrians, according to a report released by Somerset ward Coun. Diane Holmes.
Holmes is calling on the City of Ottawa to install a traffic signal at the corner when Bronson is reconstructed this spring.
A study conducted by Ottawa Public Works last November found that 160 pedestrians and 28 cyclists crossed the intersection in a 12-hour period, meeting the provincial requirement for the installation of a pedestrian crossing signal.
Those include students from Glashan Public School, who use the intersection to access both sides of Arlington Avenue, including the fast food restaurants on the west side of the intersection.
But the installation of a signal would violate current policies in place for Centretown and could cause northbound traffic to back up into the intersections north and south of the junction.
The project would also add about $160,000 to the cost of the Bronson reconstruction project, with the price tag including the costs of installation and the adjustment of the traffic control signal at Bronson Avenue and Catherine Street, says the report. The light would cost the city almost $10,000 to operate every year.
The report is on the agenda for Feb. 1’s city council transportation meeting.
Holmes’ recent request for the city to nix widening Bronson Avenue in the reconstruction plan was successful. City staff announced last week the costs would be too high to move existing hydro installations.