I read with great interest recently an online discussion pertaining to crosswalk safety in our community.
One such intersection that has come into question is the corner of McDiarmid Drive and Victoria Ave. Some of you may remember this was a plank in my election platform. I wanted to seek intersection improvements at this corner, especially regarding pedestrian safety.
Back in 2018, during the municipal campaign, I had the opportunity to discuss this with some concerned residents and subsequently had the opportunity to reach out and discuss pedestrian safety with the office of the Hon. Ron Schuler, Transportation Minister for the Province of Manitoba (letter here). By October of that year, they had replied with their willingness to further seek information on the intersection (letter here). Media coverage on the initial request can be found here.
I’m happy to share that after working with the traffic and transportation planner at the City of Brandon, and with the passing of the 2020 budget and capital plan, improvements will be made to this intersection in summer 2020. The traffic and pedestrian counts for the intersection far surpassed what is required for Manitoba Infrastructure standards, meaning that between the City of Brandon and the Province of Manitoba, enhanced pedestrian and vehicle safety improvements will be completed this summer! Yah!
The City is going to pilot an improvement there known as an RRFB (Rapid Response Flashing Beacon), as seen below.
Although more compact and cost effective than archway signage, studies have shown that they are more effective in recognition for drivers (mostly due to their eye level placement and their rapid, lighted reaction).
I’m pleased to see this project move forward this summer. A special thank you to the residents who brought this to my attention during the campaign, with a special shout out to Marion Conley, a neighbourhood resident who was as determined as I to see this through.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. (204) 724-0334 or via email at ward4@brandon.ca .
Cheers,
Shaun
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