THUNDER BAY - The city's first crossover is now operational and it is expected to be the first of many.
A pedestrian crossover installed on the corner of Algoma Street and Cornwall Avenue was activated Wednesday, providing a safer way for pedestrians to cross the street outside of controlled intersections.
“It’s been quite a bit of work but it happened, it’s working really well, and we’re very pleased,” said Adam Krupper, city mobility coordinator.
“What’s really great about crossovers is they are not only better for pedestrians, they are better for motorists.”
The crossover includes pavement markings, "stop for pedestrian" signage, and flashing beacon lights. Motorists are required by law to stop at specially painted lines, known as shark teeth, when a pedestrian is waiting to cross the road at the crossover.
“A crossover only activates when someone actually presses the button and needs to cross,” Krupper said.
“Its way more efficient for motorists, more efficient for pedestrians, and it costs less than half than what a full intersection costs.”
Motorists who fail to stop when a pedestrian is in the crossover can face a fine of $180 and three demerit points.
“It’s a long time coming,” Thunder Bay Police Service acting Sgt. John Toneguzzi said. “Thunder Bay needs a safer area for pedestrians to cross.”
“Normal intersections controlled by traffic lighting, motorists are multitasking,” Toneguzzi added. “At crossovers their main task here is to watch for pedestrians, make sure they stop when the have to.”
Krupper clarified that unlike traffic lights, the flashing lights at the crossover are not meant to tell a motorist they have to stop.
“We want to make sure that when a motorists is driving down the road they have the ability to see the signs and they have an adequate amount of time to see the signs,” he said.
“The lights are not meant to indicate a motorist has to stop, it’s the person standing at the curb.”
Krupper explained the three steps for using the crossover are pushing the button, stand at the curb, use body language and eye contact to make sure the motorist sees you, and once a person steps out onto that road, a vehicle has to stop.
The city has already received funding from the Ministry of Transportation for educating the public on the rules of the crossover, including pamphlets, online, and social media campaigns. Thunder Bay Police will also be on hand at the crossover educating drivers on how it operates in the coming weeks.
In August, Thunder Bay city council supported the recommendation and approved $35,000 for installing the crossover at the Algoma/Cornwall, though many on council were skeptical about the chosen location.
According to Krupper, 30 different locations were examined, which was then narrowed down to eight and later five choices for council.
A number of councilors initially wanted to see a crossover installed at the NorWest Community Health Centre on Simpson Street, but the Algoma location was said to be a better pilot location.
“The plan is we’re going to be installing one to two crossovers every year from essentially here on out,” Krupper said.
“This is a new piece of infrastructure and we know that there are at minimum 30 locations that have been identified as priority locations. From our consultation with stakeholders there are actually over 80 locations where people want to see them. There is a ton of demand and we’re going to be doing it on a regular basis.”
Possible future locations include James Street and Limbrick Street, Simpson Street and Bethune Street, and Walsh Street and Selkirk Street.
Brian Hamilton, owner of the Bean Fiend and president of the Bay and Algoma Business Association, said the crossover is a welcomed addition to the neighbourhood.
“This crossover is going to be another contributing factor to the already robust walkability of this neighbourhood,” he said.
Hamilton added that the neighbourhood really lends itself to a rich walking experience and it will provide customers and people living in the area a safe way to cross the street.
“It’s going to do what I think it was meant to do, which is calm traffic through then neighbourhood and make it a lot more safer,” he said.
