Accessibility legislation coming for future city projects: mayor

Following Coun. Hope Jamieson’s lead, St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says accessibility legislation is on way

The sidewalk is being cut at Rawlins Cross after a public outcry about the lack of accessibility as part of the Rawlins Cross pilot project.

St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says a lowback — essentially a ramp built into the sidewalk — is coming to a crosswalk on Monkstown Road on Rawlins Cross.

Originally, the crosswalk was left as it was, with a gap preventing easy access to the crosswalk to those with mobility challenges.

After Ward 2 Coun. Hope Jamieson made a call for legislative changes to ensure such an oversight doesn’t happen again, Breen said a legislative fix is indeed the answer.

“This is a unique (pilot project) because there was a lot of crosswalks involved,” said Breen.

“When we have pilot projects that involve crosswalks, we certainly have to make sure that accessibility is a high consideration. We’ve made the commitment that that’s going to be part of the plan for all the pilot projects as we move forward.”

Public reaction appears to be mixed on the Rawlins Cross pilot project so far. While some sharing views on social media are applauding the city for their effort, others decry the new roundabout — particularly those concerned about pedestrian safety.

Some have noted that more traditional roundabout configurations don’t often see as many crosswalks heading through the path of traffic.

Breen says the project must be seen through to ensure the city has enough data to evaluate the project.

The area will remain a roundabout through the fall and winter, with council set to make a final decision on the matter in the spring of 2019.

“Right now, things are moving along there. There’s no thought right now of stopping the pilot project,” said Breen.

Breen was among the council members who voted against the pilot project when it was first considered by council earlier this year.