The City of Delta has issued a request for bids for the design and construction inspection services for three crosswalk improvements, but an even bigger traffic safety improvement initiative is coming soon.
The crosswalk upgrades will take place at 46A Street and Kelly Drive, Central Avenue at Hawthorne Elementary and 4 Avenue and 52A Street.
The city notes that the improvements to the existing crosswalks vary from site to site and may include new rectangular rapid flashing beacons, push buttons and posts, signage and pavement markings, street lighting, sidewalk let-downs and curb extensions. The improvements are scheduled for design and construction in 2024.
The city also recently issued a request for proposals for qualified proponents to conduct traffic volume, vehicle classification and speed data collection throughout Delta. Some of the major routes are to include Arthur Drive, Ladner Trunk Road, Scott Road and 116 Street, among many others.
There is also a provision for up to 40 additional locations, with counts taking place seven-days-per-week, 24-hours-per day, and 15 additional intersection turning movement counts, taking place over seven-hour periods, as needed.
The target date for final completion of the extensive data collection project is Dec. 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, a final report on a new city-wide Vision Zero strategy will be coming this year for council’s endorsement.
The extensive traffic safety strategy will be aimed at reducing fatalities and serious collisions, improving connections to schools and community services, as well as addressing needs for older adults and vulnerable road users.
The city had hired a consultant and gathered community input as the plan was being formed.
The plan, which would prioritize high-crash locations, will have several elements from road design, speed reduction, enforcement and education.
Noting the city has already been undertaking safety enhancements though such initiatives as neighbourhood roads improvements projects, engineering director Steven Lan at a presentation to council last year described some of the additional measures that can be undertaken, including updating neighbourhood traffic calming plans, installing speed humps and cushions around schools zones, as well as continuing to implement sidewalk projects and the cycling master plan.
Moving forward, to get broader community support, a new neighbourhood traffic calming approach based on neighbourhood engagement, rather than individual complaints, will be explored.
Lan also noted current speed limits may not meet neighbourhood expectations, so a lower speed limit on streets may have to be considered.
Delta and the City of Surrey, meantime, are working together on a separate Vision Zero initiative for the Scott Road corridor, focusing on the roadway between 64 and 96 avenues.
