Jaywalking spurs new crosswalk
$400K project near Peace Bridge part of city’s new pedestrian plan
Earlier this summer, cameras positioned on poles captured about 200 pedestrians a day waiting for a break in traffic then darting across Memorial Drive to the Peace Bridge.
People jaywalking across four lanes of traffic to get to the popular bridge has been a frequent sight since the $24.5-million helical steel structure opened more than four years ago, with no marked crosswalk at the bridge’s north end to connect it to nearby 8th Street N.W.
Similar counts in 2012 and 2013 also tallied about 200 jaywalkers per day unwilling to walk to the nearest marked crosswalks at 7th Street, 10th Street or across the LRT overpass at 9A Street to access the iconic bridge, which crosses the Bow River and connects Sunnyside and downtown.
But, the number of Calgarians on feet braving vehicle traffic to use the Peace Bridge is expected to decrease dramatically when a new crosswalk across Memorial Drive opens later this year.
Spurred by the new pedestrian strategy and consistent jaywalking numbers, the city has decided to build a marked crosswalk and install a traffic signal at 9th Street N.W.
“Given how many people cross the Peace Bridge — it’s 4,000 to 5,000 people a day — it makes sense to invest in the walking infrastructure in the area,” said Jonathan Chapman, programs co-ordinator for the city.
Chapman said staff thought the jaywalking problem “might settle down over time,” hence the fouryear wait for a crosswalk.
“We see that there’s a consistent issue there,” he said. “Since the pedestrian strategy was approved by council, we’ve been looking for some early actions that we can take ... This will be one of the ways that we can take quick action in responding to what Calgarians are concerned about.”
The city decided not to put the crossing at 8th Street N.W. because the bridge’s height made it pricey and unfeasible.
Construction on the $400,000 project began two weeks ago and it’s expected the crosswalk and lights will be up and running this fall, weather-permitting.
“We’re a bit late in the season. If we have some heavy rains in September or even an early winter arrival, that could push the project further back,” Chapman said.