A new traffic light at the Murray Street and Reaume Avenue intersection in Wallaceburg is set to be installed this week.
Mark Ceppi, engineering technologist for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, told the Sydenham Current the changes will cost the Municipality $32,802.21 and will take place on Friday, November 24.
“The current pedestrian crossover is going to be converted to a pedestrian signal, which is much like a traffic signal but it only works like a two-way crosswalk, not like a four-way stop for the whole intersection,” Ceppi said.
“The work was originally suppose to be completed by November 17, but it was decided internally and with the contractor that with the P.A. Day being this Friday (November 24) it would be a good day for the contractor to come in, shut down the current pedestrian crossover and do the conversion on Friday and if required, they’ll have Saturday morning to finish up any work.”
Ceppi added: “That way there is no interruption for school children walking to school and using that crosswalk. If there are adults that need to cross our contractor will be able to assist them to cross the road, but hopefully usage will be down because of the P.A. Day. So we allowed the contractor to wait the extra week.”
The changes were approved by Chatham-Kent council back in September. Read more, here: Stop light approved for Wallaceburg intersection
For people using the new pedestrian crossover, Ceppi said it’s operation is similar to a regular traffic signal.
“In order for a pedestrian to use it there is going to be a standard-style push button,” he said.
“You need to push the button in order to get the walk symbol. Once the white walk symbol comes up, the pedestrian can start to cross the road. After approximately eight seconds the flashing ‘don’t walk’ comes up. We program enough time during that flashing ‘don’t walk’ period for a pedestrian to go from one side of the road to the other. When the flashing ‘don’t walk’ hand is up, you shouldn’t start to cross during that time.”
For drivers, Ceppi said a standard red, yellow, and green traffic head will be on Murray Street, while the stop signs will remain on Reaume Avenue.
Ron Field & Son Electrical Limited submitted the winning bid for the project.
Volunteers are happy
Krystal Gyuricza, who has been volunteering with a number of other concerned citizens at the intersection since school started, told the Sydenham Current she’s happy the work is being completed.
“I’m very happy this is moving forward,” she said.
“This option will be much safer for the children and I think it’s a lot better for the drivers as well. This is a more visible option for everyone.”
Gyuricza, who spearheaded daily protests at the intersection back in September as well, had been concerned when the former 4-way stop at the intersection was removed and replaced with the pedestrian crossover.
Gyuricza said her team of volunteers are planning are helping the children at the intersection for one more week.
“Just to make sure the kids know what to do,” she said.
Speed reduction discussion coming to council
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor’s original motion back in September also called for a study to be initiated about a possible speed reduction to 40 km/h along the stretch of Murray Street in front of Holy Family Catholic School.
This part of McGregor’s motion was tabled until the December 4 council meeting.
Watch for more coverage on this issue.
– Photo credit: Aaron Hall
