An intersection at Bruce Ave. and Albion St. in Harewood came under close scrutiny during a 2019 review ahead of potential infrastructure upgrades. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

STREET SAFETY

Pedestrian safety upgrades throughout Nanaimo eyed through increased budget

Jan 14, 2021 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — The safety of a collision-prone intersection in Harewood will likely form part of a pending report to council on pedestrian infrastructure upgrades in Nanaimo.

Throughout 2019, the city conducted an extensive review of traffic patterns and volumes in many areas of the city including Bruce Ave. and Albion. St, where multiple pedestrians were hit, including one fatally, over recent years.

Jamie Rose, city manager of transportation, said the reviews they undertake, in part due to requests from the public, look at traffic patterns and volumes, user demographics and the surrounding area.

“If we hear the community has a great deal of interest in seeing an enhancement, it’s usually reflected by the data we capture.”

The last review of Bruce Ave. and Albion St. was in 2008 when no changes were recommended.

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The city opted not to add flashing beacons to the intersection in 2020, despite hundreds signing a petition calling for their installation.

“They’re a very dynamic feature, they create a great deal of awareness for drivers and pedestrians,” Rose said. “There is a requirement though pedestrians activate them for them to be effective.”

In 2020, the city added infrastructure to five intersections through a $300,000 fund for pedestrian upgrades.

An updated budget for 2021 increased the available amount to $1,000,000.

Many options are available to the city to not only to reduce direct interactions between pedestrians and vehicles, but reduce speeds around the clock and improve pedestrian safety as a byproduct.

Raised crosswalks, narrowing the crossing distance by installing curb extensions or adding a refuge island in the middle of the road are all options on the table for several trouble-spots in the city.

“Not only does [an island] provide an area of refuge for pedestrians as they cross but it also has the effect of discouraging speeding on those streets, a 24/7 benefit of that type of feature. We’re seeing some literature come out now that’s really highlighting how effective raised crosswalks can be.”

A pedestrian refuge island was included as part of upgrades to the northern section of Metral Dr. in 2020, while raised crosswalks are envisioned for other areas of the road in 2021.

The city could also opt to focus on adding sidewalks to certain roads, an option discussed at length by council in 2020.

Rose said the final recommendations are still being decided ahead of a report to council in the spring, however a similar approach of targeting troublesome intersections would likely be the focus.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley

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