WATCH ABOVE: Crews were installing lights at a crosswalk at an intersection that has had its share of problems to increase pedestrian safety. Jessica Kent reports.
EDMONTON — Work is underway to install traffic lights at a busy downtown crosswalk.
With six lanes of traffic to cross, pedestrian safety has been a major concern at the intersection of Jasper Avenue and 119 Street for years.
Between January 2009 and May 2012, there were three pedestrian collisions at the busy intersection. Most recently, in July 2014, a 19-year-old woman was sent to hospital in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Jasper Avenue in the marked crosswalk.
READ MORE: Earls employee struck in marked downtown Edmonton crosswalk
In June of this year, the city announced changes to the way crosswalks are reviewed. Previously, the city would count the number of pedestrians using a crosswalk before adding a flashing light. But now, risk is the top consideration.
Traffic speed, the number of vehicles and the number of lanes people have to cross are all factors that will be considered.
The city’s crosswalk guidelines now mesh with the new national standards.
READ MORE: Changes coming to the way Edmonton crosswalks are reviewed
Traffic lights are also set to be put up at crosswalks on Jasper Avenue at 113 Street, 115 Street and 120 Street, which Walbaum said should be in place by September.
Two crossings along Whyte Avenue will also be getting lights. The city hopes those lights will be running by the end of the year.
“We know pedestrians want to be out more walking and the trend is to give them the mechanisms to do that and feel safe,” said Craig Walbaum, director of traffic operations with the City of Edmonton’s Transportation Department.
Walbaum said there are about 100 other crossings around the city being looked at for possible upgrades.
According to statistics from the City of Edmonton, a pedestrian’s chances of survival are only 45 per cent if hit by a vehicle going 50 kilometres per hour. The probability of the pedestrian being killed increases to 85 per cent if the vehicle is travelling at 60 km/h.