A pedestrian crossover is closer to reality after members of the public voiced concern over safety at one Windsor intersection.
On Wednesday, members of the Environment, Transportation & Public Safety Standing Committee voted in favour of a crossover with flashing lights at Cabana Rd. and Karen St. even though city staff did not recommend the installation.
Ward 9 councillor Kieran McKenzie says the city received a petition with over 85 signatures from nearby residents calling for the crossover.
He says some people are not crossing at the intersection due to safety concerns and increased speeds along the roadway.
"The vast majority of those residents live in the immediate vicinity of that intersection at Karen and Cabana, who indicated that they would, if it was safe, they would like to be able to cross at the intersection at Karen and Cabana," says McKenzie. "At this point they don't feel that. They see the traffic volume, they see the speed and they're not crossing at that intersection."
The city recently widened Cabana Rd. between Howard Ave. and Provincial Rd., expanding it to four lanes from two lanes, adding bike lanes and eliminating access to some side streets as part the project. The Cabana/Karen intersection is near Roseland Public School.
McKenzie has offered to pay for the crossover with his ward funds.
"This is an issue that the residents had identified to me as being very important to them," he says. "There's a school there. I have the support of the {Greater Essex County District} school board as well on this issue. We need enhanced measures to promote better public safety."
The city recently installed three pedestrian crossovers, which require motorists to stop when the lights are activated.
The issue now heads to city council for final approval.
City activates pedestrian crossover on Prince Rd, November 29, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Rob Hindi)