ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Rawlins Cross pilot project is still awaiting a final report and recommendation on whether it will continue, but in the meantime, the city will install crosswalk lights to improve pedestrian safety.
“Feedback received on the project to date has identified the crosswalks on Monkstown Road and King’s Road that cross into the centre of the area (along Military Road) as being of highest concern,” reads a city staff decision note to council included in the regular Monday meeting agenda.
A survey of over 1,750 people found 73 per cent were in support of installing flashing beacons at the two crosswalks as soon as possible, before complete reconstruction work is started on Rawlins Cross should the pilot project continue.
“The impetus (for the lights) was not because it was dangerous, it was because from the … information we got from the public, and from our own studies, we felt that it would make the area safer,” Coun. Debbie Hanlon told reporters after the regular Monday council meeting.
“It’s not that the area was dangerous as it was, but to enhance safety is one of the major goals of our city transportation engineering and our master plan, so it was to make it more alert and make the area safer.”
The lights will be LED beacons activated by pedestrians prior to crossing the street, similar to the style in place near Memorial University at Westerland Road.
City staff plan to issue a standing offer tender for the supply of the flashing beacon signs soon, and Hanlon said it will be installed as soon as possible. She estimated within a month.
Staff’s decision note says the estimated cost to install the crosswalk lights is $25,000 per crosswalk.
Staff wrote in the decision note that if the Rawlins Cross roundabout pilot project is cancelled, the lights can be used in other areas of the city. If the roundabout remains, the lights will also remain permanently, Hanlon said.
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