Green light to examine crosswalks at Wellington and Bloomfield

Plans to examine crosswalks at Wellington and Bloomfield will move forward for council approval next week.

An accident at the Wellington crosswalk last fall that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, and high traffic volumes from growth and tourism are fueling the request for analysis at the crossings, at an estimated cost of $15,000. Staff will look at placement of a crosswalk signal device between CML Snider school and Wellington Park.

Wellington councillor Jim Dunlop wants council to move forward on the study to be sure any recommendations can be put in the budget for 2019.

The two-step crosswalk assessments include vehicle traffic counts and pedestrian volume, best performed in those locations between May and September for realistic data.

A similar study was conducted in Wellington in 2005, determining a crosswalk was not needed at that time. With the closure of Pinecrest school in Bloomfield, an examination will look at continued need.

Bloomfield councillor Barry Turpin noted the current crosswalk is heavily used by residents and tourists using the nearby parking lot and would be important if a proposed seniors’ housing development moves forward at the former school location.

Robert McAuley, commissioner of Engineering, Development and Works said the study would examine the areas, indicate refinements, upgrades or recommend the crosswalks move to another area.

The staff report notes typical construction costs for a mid-block pedestrian crossing are pegged at $120,000 to $150,000. A four-way intersection upgrade could be in excess of $250,000. Related infrastructure such as buried utilities, asphalt, and concrete restoration would increase the costs.

Both crossings were identified in the 2017 Development Charges Background Study as growth-related work – both at a cost of $143,900.