The city is pursuing grant money to improve a road crossing that was a subject of concern raised recently by a Bastion Elementary student.
Salmon Arm council has authorized submitting a grant application to the B.C. Vision Zero Road Safety Program, which provides up to $20,000 for projects that improve safety where vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are at risk of injury due to lack of protection from a vehicle. If approved, the funding would go towards the Turner Creek crossing at 21st Street NE.
Supported by the city’s Midblock Crossing Safety Study, completed in cooperation with ICBC in 2020, as well as the city’s Active Transportation Master Plan, the project would see the curb line and boulevard on the crossing's west side extended to reduce travel distance for pedestrians while improving sight lines for drivers. More visible crosswalk markings would also be used.
In addition to supporting the application at its Nov. 12 meeting, council also voted in support of a budget amendment to use $15,000 from the city's Active Transportation Reserve for the project, estimated to cost $35,000.
In October, council received a letter from Bastion Grade 5 student Luka Mae Larson. On the walk to school in the morning, Luka explained, cars sometimes don't stop for pedestrians at the crosswalk.
"I think it would be a good idea to put a crossing light there so that cars know that pedestrians are waiting to cross," wrote Luka.
Lighting is not part of the proposed project. City engineer Jenn Wilson explained that with road alignment changes, an RRFB (rapid rectangular flashing beacon) would not be warranted. However, Wilson acknowledged that could change, and said the city annually reviews where RRFBs are warranted.
"I support the motion, hopefully we get the grant and then monitor to see how much safer that makes it," said Mayor Alan Harrison.
