New signalized crossover provides much needed link through community

Local recreation and road safety champion Cumberland Ward Councillor Stephen Blais helped active Cumberland Ward’s first signalized pedestrian crossover on Valin Street, between Winsome Terrace and Demeter Street.

“I’ve been working hard to implement a solution on Valin to provide a safe crossing through the major hydro corridor pedestrian pathway,” says Councillor Blais. “With the school so close by, this is a good connection for students and other pedestrians alike; the curb cuts also provide access to the pathway system for wheel chairs and bicycles,” he adds.

On January 1st, 2016, the Highway Traffic Act was revised to include a regulation which identifies a new type of pedestrian crossover. Now municipalities can install pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low and medium volume roads.

Pedestrian crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. Valin Street’s crosswalk will feature side mounted signs with flashing beacons, crosswalk ladder markings, yield lines.

“We have been investing record amounts of money and effort to make our streets and neighborhoods safer for pedestrians and motorists alike,” says Councillor Blais. “We now have another resource that may help avoid a serious accident or injury; it is part of my overall campaign to make our roads safer for everyone,” he adds.

The City of Ottawa will install up to 60 pedestrian crossovers as a pilot project each year for the next three years at warranted locations throughout the city, starting in June of 2016. In the first year these locations will include low speed, low to medium volume roads, and at most single lane roundabouts. The locations of the planned 2016 Pedestrian Crossovers in Ottawa are available on ottawa.ca.

Other non-signalized pedestrian crossovers have been installed on Des Epinettes Ave between Cottonwood Cres and Lafrance Dr, as well as the new roundabout on Brian Coburn Blvd at Portobello Blvd.