Upgrades to Campbell River’s roads and routes are underway, with a number of traffic control changes as well as several pedestrian crossings and sidewalk improvements in the works.
This spring, the intersection of Shoppers Row and 13th Ave will be changed from a two-way stop to a four-way stop to improve traffic flow crossing or entering on Shoppers Row from the Tyee Plaza.
“Creating a four-way stop here will also assist with the numerous pedestrian crossings at this location, and provide vehicles with more crossing opportunities,” says the city’s transportation manager Drew Hadfield.
City staff have also worked with Island Heath, ICBC and the RCMP to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the area surrounding the hospital construction site.
Signs are already up indicating the new speed limit on 2nd Ave. from west of Alder St. to east of Dogwood St., reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h 24 hours a day.
To address parking congestion, the city has installed signs and is enforcing two-hour parking (from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.) along both sides of 2nd Ave. and Birch St. near the hospital.
“We appreciate that Island Health anticipated the need for more parking due to construction and that they have established longer term parking to the west of their property, with a shuttle service available,” Hadfield says.
For 2015, pedestrian crossings that will be enhanced with solar-powered pedestrian flashers include Dogwood and 12th Ave., Dogwood and Drake (in partnership with the Campbell River Indian Band) and Hwy 19A and Barlow.
“We are also working with ICBC to review the intersection at Petersen and Cheviot as well as at 9th Ave. and Greenwood as this is a truck route, at the crest of a hill and a regular pedestrian crossing,” Hadfield adds.
ICBC offers annual funding for community road safety improvements, and the City of Campbell River received $20,000 for sidewalk infill in 2014. The city’s 2015 sidewalk infill will continue to focus on priority locations based on Campbell River’s Master Transportation Plan.
“The city receives a number of requests each year to review specific locations for traffic control and pedestrian crossings, and we regularly update traffic counts and review options for priority locations. With driver and pedestrian cooperation, these changes should help improve safety,” Hadfield said.