THUNDER BAY – A pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Ford Street and Victoria Avenue has been activated.
From this point on, motorists will be notified via flashing crosswalk lights and new markings on the street when a pedestrian is crossing the busy stretch of road.
Matthew Miedema, project engineer with the City of Thunder Bay, on Monday said the activation of the crossover follows a recent traffic study conducted at the nearby intersection at Victoria Avenue and Lillie Street.
The new crossover a block to the west includes stop signs headed north and south on Ford Street.
A previous report presented to council last year suggested the intersection might be the ideal spot for a Euopean-style roundabout, but the plan was ultimately abandoned.
“This is a cost-effective way to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians here. We did review this area earlier this year in terms of traffic movement and determined movements did not require a signalized roundabout,” Miedema said.
“The next thing you look at is getting pedestrians across the road safely. So a pedestrian crossover met the needs here.”
In addition to the flashing signals, a new crosswalk ladder and shark’s teeth markings have been painted onto the pavement as reminders to motorists that they may need to stop should someone wish to cross the street at the intersection.
“In Thunder Bay we’ve adopted the Type 2 pedestrian crossover. That includes the yellow flashing lights on the pole, as well,” Miedesma said.
“That constitutes as a safe crossing for pedestrian. They’ll activate a button and you’ll see the yellow flashing lights. That will tell driver’s to stop for pedestrians to cross.”
Future crossovers are planned for other intersections around the city, including Bay and High streets. Thunder Bay’s first crossover was constructed in 2016 at Algoma and Cornwall streets.
