Work will begin next month on making a busy crosswalk on University Avenue in Charlottetown safer for high school students and residents.
In September, city council voted unanimously to spend $33,900 to put overhead lights on the crosswalk where the avenue intersects Enman Crescent.
The crosswalk, used by students at Charlottetown Rural High School and area residents, involves crossing four busy lanes of traffic.
Hansen Electric was awarded the low tender.
“Right now, the work is done and the poles are due to come in Jan. 12,’’ said Coun. Terry Bernard, chairman of the public works committee, noting that the poles in question have been on back order.
The city did touch base with the province to see if it had the required poles but it didn’t.
“These particular poles we’re looking for . . . go up and over the road so it’s a longer arm and they don’t have them either so we’re (waiting) for ours to come in.’
At present, there are flashing LED crosswalk warning lights to alert traffic of pedestrians crossing on either side of the road. The problem is, those lights are difficult to see by traffic using the inside lane in either direction.
“You run the risk that either they’re not paying attention or they keep on going. There’s been some close calls, so we’re looking to put it in the overheads to cover all four lanes.’’
The lights going up over University Avenue at Enman Crescent will be the exact same as ones the city has up on Belvedere Avenue by the UPEI roundabout, on Allen Street and on Grafton Street.
“They’re much more noticeable as opposed to the two we have up there that are just on the sides of the road. This one will be over the road, so it will help alert all four lanes (of traffic).’’
The ultimate goal is making it safer for those crossing the road.
“That’s what we’re hoping for, yes.’’
Twitter.com/DveStewart
