Everyone from children on their way to school to patients and healthcare workers travelling to the hospital will have a safer time crossing a major street in Prince George thanks to two new crosswalk upgrades. Crews with the City of Prince George are installing “overhead flashing beacon systems” on 15th Avenue at the Irwin and Alward Street intersections to make the busy artery safer for all.

These intersections were previously marked with pedestrian signage and road paintings, but foot traffic will now be able to push a button to activate overhead illuminated signs before crossing 15th Avenue. The brightly flashing signs alert motorists to slow down and yield for crossing pedestrians, including students at Harwin Elementary School, visitors to Freeman Park and Studio 2880, hospital patients and workers, and residents who live nearby.

The upgrades to the crosswalk located at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Irwin Street were installed earlier this month and are already improving road safety for residents. The illuminated crosswalk at 15th Avenue and Alward Street (right across from the front entrance to the University Hospital of Northern BC) is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of October.

The City’s Pedestrian Crossing Strategy, which was received by Council in August 2020, identified these high-traffic crosswalks as being a “high” priority. The Strategy provides a prioritization plan to implement pedestrian crossings as prescribed by the updated Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide by the Transportation Association of Canada.

Out of the 202 City crosswalks evaluated as part of the Strategy, 43 local crossings were recommended for upgrade or installation – 26 upgrades to existing crosswalks and 17 new crosswalks.

The City of Prince George wishes to thank residents for their patience as crews carry out these important traffic safety enhancements and for driving cautiously around road crews.

Written and released by City of Prince George.