This project enhanced pedestrian safety at an existing crosswalk on Government Road by installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and speed reader boards to improve driver awareness and reduce vehicle speeds. Previously, the crosswalk featured painted zebra markings and ground-mounted signs but faced challenges such as poor visibility, driver non-compliance, and speeding.
A safety study showed a lack of advanced warning signs, illegal parking obstructing sightlines, and frequent jaywalking. With high pedestrian activity and traffic volumes reaching 7,100 vehicles per day—one of the highest in the District—this project was critical for improving pedestrian visibility and ensuring safer road conditions.
This project delivered a suite of safety improvements to an existing painted crosswalk on Government Road. The improvements included installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, speed reader boards, and new parking regulations to improve safety at this busy crossing. The problems identified in the completed safety study have been addressed and the enhanced crosswalk is providing a safe connection from the parking lot on the east side of Government Road over to the popular tourism destination on the west side of the road. In addition to the improved safety at the crosswalk the speed reader boards have shown that the 85th percentile speed observed is 5-8 km/h slower after the speed reader boards were installed.
This project continues to support the District of Squamish’s goals to improve safety for people using all modes of transportation in our community.
