First pedestrian crossovers pitched for Hamilton
Hamilton Spectator By Matthew Van Dongen
Councillors will consider locations for the city's first five pedestrian crossovers Thursday.
The pedestrian crossover differs from a painted crosswalk or controlled intersection because motorists must stop and wait until all pedestrians have left the roadway, under new provincial legislation that came into force this year.
The city has received 140 requests for crossovers so far, but traffic operations manager Martin White previously told the Spectator the department is "overwhelmed" with traffic-calming requests and can't do everything at once.
The department also wants to start slow to ensure drivers become familiar with the new rules — and the higher fines, ranging from $150 to $500 and up to three demerit points for ignoring the rules.
Pedestrian crossovers will feature special street markings, more visible signage and sometimes flashing beacons, similar to school crossings that share the same kinds of rules.
A report recommending five initial locations in Wards 1, 2, 6 and 15 will be considered by public works committee Thursday. It also proposes an education campaign to familiarize motorists and pedestrians with the new rules of the road.
An additional 14 locations across the urban city are also recommended as part of regular planned road work this year and next to "maximize construction efficiencies and lessen disruption," the report says.
The first locations were chosen based on the department's own traffic studies, collision and other safety statistics and consultation with ward councillors.
Two of the first five are in Ward 6, one on Mountain Brow Boulevard at Limeridge Road and the second on Limeridge at the rail trail.
Ward Coun. Tom Jackson said "thousands" of pedestrians are regularly crossing the busy Limeridge collector road to access the popular rail trail and nearby sports park. He added increasing numbers of visitors walk down and across Mountain Brow to access waterfalls east of the boulevard.
"It's busy, so if we can make a proactive, preventive move to ensure the safety of all of those walking and cycling in the area, I am all for it," he said.
The report says each pedestrian crossover can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 to install, depending in part on whether flashing lights are required. The city will use cash from a $11-million reserve fund annually topped up with fine revenue from red light camera tickets.
mvandongen@thespec.com
905-526-3241 | @Mattatthespec
Pedestrian crossovers
Here are the recommended first locations for pedestrian crossovers:
•Locke Street at Stanley Avenue (east/west);
•Queen Street at Herkimer Street (all directions);
•Limeridge Road at rail trail (north/south)
•Mountain Brow Boulevard at Limeridge Road (east/west)
•Hollybush Drive just west of Pentland Road (east/west)
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/68...-for-hamilton/