A major intersection in Powell River has been given a complete makeover into a first-of-its-kind design for the city.
Called a protected traffic intersection, it is designed to be safer for drivers, and prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians, according to a media release from City of Powell River. These intersections are becoming a standard street improvement in many cities, the release stated.
The new protected intersection at Duncan Street and Manson Avenue in the city’s Westview neighbourhood adopts a complete streets approach to planning, designing, operating and maintaining roads and transportation infrastructure by updating standards to improve bicycle routes, sidewalks and crossings, increase safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians, minimize conflicts with drivers and reduce the potential for injury, the release stated. Once drivers, cyclists and pedestrians get used to the traffic pattern change, they will experience shorter, simpler crossings, more predictable movements and better visibility between people walking, people on bikes and people driving, according to the release.
The release stated that the Duncan and Manson location was chosen based on general recommendations from the province, which show best results are found to be at the convergence of two major roads, and where there can be integration with existing protected and connected bicycle lanes.
The installation was completed for a total project cost of $99,968. Funding came from a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for $62,978, ICBC contributed $10,000, with the city’s share of 26,990 coming from the Canada Community Building Fund Reserve. By comparison, if traffic signals were installed, the cost would be approximately $150,000, according to the release.
The city’s sustainable official community plan recommends that the complete streets approach be applied to all road construction projects, to gradually transition Powell River’s road network to a truly multimodal system.
Building complete streets infrastructure supports the active transportation goals contained in the city’s parks and trails master plan. As part of the public engagement conducted for the plan, a survey was conducted, showing that residents want more and better bicycling and walking infrastructure. A total of 94 per cent of respondents support the goal of encouraging more cycling and walking, where 79 per cent supported the goal and 15 per cent were somewhat supportive, the release stated. Across all the engagement methods used in the plan, the values, issues and opportunities that emerged included safe walking and biking routes to support a healthy and active community.
Another area where the city will be installing complete streets infrastructure is in conjunction with the Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street safe streets project, and possible inclusion in the new downtown plan.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday:prpeak.com/account/mailinglist.
