City makes it safer for cyclists and pedestrians with protected intersection

Powell River, BC – A major intersection in Powell River has been given a complete makeover into a first-of-its-kind design for the city. Called a protected traffic intersection, it is designed to be safer for drivers, and prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians. These intersections are becoming a standard street improvement in many cities.

The new protected intersection at Duncan Street and Manson Avenue in the city’s Westview neighbourhood adopts a “complete streets” approach to planning, designing, operating, and maintaining roads and transportation infrastructure by updating standards to improve bicycle routes, sidewalks, and crossings, increase safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians, minimize conflicts with drivers and reduce the potential for injury. Once drivers, cyclists and pedestrians get used to the traffic pattern change, they will experience shorter, simpler crossings, more predictable movements, and better visibility between people walking, on bikes and people driving.

The Duncan and Manson location was chosen based on general recommendations from the province which show best results are found to be at the convergence of two major roads and where there can be integration with existing protected and connected bicycle lanes.

The installation was completed for a total project cost of $99,968. Funding came from a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for $62,978, ICBC contributed $10,000, with the City’s share of $26,990 coming from the Canada Community Building Fund Reserve. By comparison, if traffic signals were to be installed, the cost would be approximately $150,000.

The City’s Sustainable Official Community Plan recommends that a “complete streets approach be applied to all road construction and reconstruction projects, to gradually transition Powell River’s road network to a truly multi-modal system.”

Building complete streets infrastructure supports the active transportation goals contained in the City’s Parks and Trails Master Plan. As part of the public engagement conducted for Plan, a survey was done showing that residents want more and better bicycling and walking infrastructure in Powell River; 94 per cent of respondents support the goal of encouraging more cycling and walking, where 79 per cent supported the goal and 15 per cent were somewhat supportive. Across all the engagement methods used in the Plan, the values, issues, and opportunities that emerged included safe walking and biking routes to support a healthy and active community.

Another area where the City will be installing complete streets infrastructure is the Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street Safe Streets project and possible inclusion in the new Downtown Plan.

Media Contact:

David Brindle
Communications Coordinator
City of Powell River
C: (604) 223-7868
E: dbrindle@powellriver.ca