An intersection in South Riel park is a source of confusion and safety problems for residents who use it, thanks to a 'don't walk' sign placed next to an electronic crosswalk display.
"Two 11-year-olds just tried to cross the street with their bicycles and they just stood there, they didn't know what to do," said resident Elke Blodgett, who has followed the issue for several weeks. "It's utter, total confusion."
The intersection, located at Levasseur Road and Riel Drive was built by local developer Beaverbrook Developments. It is a T-intersection, with Levasseur Road ending at Riel Drive, where the two signs stand next to each other.
Blodgett said she noticed the problem a few weeks ago while walking in the area. Since then, she's spoken with other residents and tried to contact city staff and council to find out what happened and look for solutions.
When the intersection was only a two-way stop it was easier to figure out when and where to cross the street to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, said Blodgett. Now, the lights not only are confusing, they pose a safety risk.
"My main concern is that this is the height of the season to use [the crosswalk]," she said. "All it would take is one child getting hit, or a senior."
Confusion
According to Brian Hartman, manager of transportation and urban development with the city, part of the confusion stems from the set up of the intersection itself. Because it is a three-way lighted intersection, vehicles turning left from Levasseur Road to Riel Drive are likely to cause the largest issue for pedestrians wishing to cross.
As a result, Hartman said the city is currently working on reconfiguring the area so the crosswalk on the south end of Riel Drive is removed, directing pedestrian traffic to cross on the north side only.
"We're working through this process," he said. "It's a more efficient way to move people through the area."
City manager Bill Holtby said he spoke with Blodgett last Monday about the intersection, informing her of the planned work. The project includes repairing the sidewalks at the intersection to ensure they are also wheelchair accessible.
Holtby said the city was working on answering another series of questions from Blodgett, including who at the city approved the design and who would pay for the new work.
"I know her frustration," he said. "We're going to resolve this issue."
