More pedestrian safety improvements are coming in the City of Delta.
Council on Monday (April 25) approved an engineering department recommendation for intersection improvements at River Road and Berg Road.
On Oct. 22, 2021, a 60-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle at that intersection. To improve intersection safety, a new traffic signal will be added along with an asphalt sidewalk connection on the south side of River Road between 76 Street and Berg Road, as well as LED street lighting.
A temporary asphalt sidewalk will be built in the interim until new pedestrian and cycling improvements are eventually constructed in a future cycling project, a staff report notes.
The improvements will be designed this year and advanced to council’s 2023 budget process.
Elsewhere, on Nov. 19, 2021, a pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk at 1 Avenue and 55A Street, resulting in serious injuries.
The improvements to improve pedestrian safety in that area will include an upgrade of the existing crosswalk with new pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons, curb extensions and new LED street lighting.
The design was included in the 2022 capital program, but additional funding was required.
The report also notes a recent meeting with residents of Marina Gardens indicated continued concerns with traffic volumes on Admiral Boulevard.
Public consultation has indicated support for a full traffic signal at Ferry Road and River Road to enhance safety and to relieve some traffic demand using the Admiral Boulevard and River Road intersection.
The engineering department wants to advance the construction of the traffic signal and to upgrade the existing pedestrian crosswalk on Admiral Boulevard that connects the fourth and fifth hole of the Cove Links golf course to a raised one.
Those improvements will coincide with a reduction in the speed limit along Admiral Boulevard between River Road and Admiral Way to 30 km/h.
The measures will help address the impacts from the increased number of vehicle trips associated with the ongoing development of Marina Gardens, the report adds.
