Three intersections in Somerset Ward are part of Ottawa’s pedestrian crossover pilot program – a bid to improve safety on city streets.
Preston Street near Poplar, Somerset Street near Bay, and Metcalfe Street near McLeod will each have new pedestrian crossovers installed as a type of traffic control. These three locations were selected based on requests and needs.
The program is the result of the revised Highway Traffic Act from earlier this year, which gives municipalities in Ontario the ability to install the crossovers on low-speed roads.
The city will be installing close to 60 pedestrian Type 2 crossovers each year for the next three years. Type 1 crossovers were originally used in Ottawa in the early 1960s. They are identified by their pedestrian crossing signs on either side of the road, signs mounted on overhead wires and flashing lights.
Type 2 crossovers have three formats: B – includes pedestrian crossing signs overhead and on the sides of the street with rapid flashing lights; C – includes pedestrian crossing signs on opposing sides of the road and flashing lights; and D – only includes the pedestrian crossing signs on the side of the road.
Crossovers are used to regulate traffic. In 2016, crossovers will be installed midblock (in between two intersections).
“Motorists have to come to a complete stop and let the pedestrians cross from one side of the crosswalk to other side. I hope it will be effective. It all depends on enforcement,” said John Woodhouse, co-chair of Walk Ottawa, a group that promotes pedestrian safety and accessible walk spaces in Ottawa.
He added that there needs to be some form of check that the rules on the road are being adhered to by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Coun. Keith Egli, transportation committee chair, said the city thought the crossings would be beneficial.
“We just thought it would be another tool in the toolbox for traffic calming and speed control. It seemed like a good idea and the feedback we received so far from the community has been quite positive,” said Egli.
He added that installing one of these crossovers can cost up to $23,000. Formats B and C tend to be more expensive options.
Eric Darwin, vice-president of Dalhousie Community Association and the well-known blogger behind West Side Action, said the new crossovers are a step in the right direction, but that there’s more that can be done.
“It’s effective now because the lane markings are bright, they’re freshly painted. I’m not so sure how obvious that’s going to be in a couple of months,” said Darwin.
He added that part of the solution should be to encourage motorists to slow down.
Type 1 pedestrian crossovers were installed throughout the greater Ottawa area in the early 1960s. They were located in multi-lane crossings with high traffic and worked well until safety concerns arose in the 70s. This led to the creation of midblock traffic signals.
Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act – Bill 31 – led to the creation and implementation of Type 2 crossovers.
The process began in June.
“The city spends years improving roads so that traffic can go faster,” said Darwin. “And as it goes faster, it becomes more difficult to cross the street…and now they put in this – which is a cheaper alternative yet.”
Egli said all installations for 2016 are complete.