This project will upgrade an existing crosswalk on 16th Avenue at the Walmart Supercentre, which was previously identified as needing improvements by Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Economic Development Officer. As such, the City of Campbell River will upgrade this crosswalk with a rapid rectangular flashing beacon (RRFB) similar to others in our city such as Alder / Murphy, Highway 19A / Dahl and Alder / Parkway.
The location of this project has been particularly worrisome as it is located on a wide crossing and major street with a bus stop on both sides. At the same time, vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians, should always be given additional safety measures because in a vehicle-pedestrian collision, it is always the pedestrian who is the most vulnerable and the one who will experience the worst injury outcome.
Asstated by Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Economic Development Officer:
“This stretch of road is 4 lanes wide and people are often crossing with lots of groceries. There have been many close calls witnessed between pedestrians and vehicles at that crosswalk. A big fear for us is that it is only a matter of time before something terrible happens.”
This location of this project is adjacent to an area where there is temporary overnight camping where many unhoused people can be found who are already over-represented in road injuries. In addition, a host of further developments near this crossing include multi-use space upgrades such as soccer fields, while still keeping room for long-running events like the Salmon Festival and Logger Sports; new slo-pitch fields; park beautification; a playground replacement; infrastructure improvements and other new amenities thatwill result in even more pedestrians crossing at this busy crosswalk.
