Paradise upgrading crosswalk near Octagon Pond
Island and warning lights will be added
“It’ll be great for people with strollers trying to get across the street or just the general public for Marie’s. I like the idea we went for something new with the 100-metre flashing beacons because this is something new to use.” Coun. Patrick Martin
Paradise is increasing the safety precautions for residents crossing the road near Octagon Pond.
The town recently awarded a contract for a pedestrian island and flashing warning beacons to be built at the existing crosswalk on Topsail Road in front of Marie’s Mini Mart, with construction expected to begin late this summer.
The tender for the project, which was awarded on March 15, had five bidders and it was awarded to the lowest bidder, Eric Taylor Ltd., for $238,642.25.
It includes the construction of a new pedestrian median, new traffic signals and reconfiguration of the lights and an early warning system, namely flashing beacons 100 metres from the crosswalk in each direction.
SMALL SHORTFALL
Coun. Deborah Quilty, who brought forward the motion, said the 2024 budget included $327,600 to construct a raised crosswalk at Karwood Drive and this project.
She said that amount won’t cover both projects, with a shortfall of $10,301, and the excess will be paid from the capital street program, which can absorb that amount.
SAFETY FEATURE
Coun. Patrick Martin spoke in favour of the project, saying it was a long time coming and will provide great connectivity for pedestrians using the trails from Adams Pond to Octagon Pond, and for pedestrians in the area in general.
“It’ll be great for people with strollers trying to get across the street or just the general public for Marie’s,” he said.
“I like the idea we went for something new with the 100-metre flashing beacons because this is something new to use.”
Martin said from what he understands there will also be buttons on the island, so if a pedestrian gets halfway across the street and can’t get completely across before it changes, they can click the button and continue across to the other side of the street. It is a great safety feature, he added.
A NEED IN AREA
Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street and Coun. Glen Carew also spoke in favour of the project, both saying it’s an important addition to the town.
“As an avid bicyclist, I use that crosswalk all the time and, of course, it’s on a curve of Topsail Road, so sometimes you’re on top of it before you even see the crosswalk. So having a pre-lit warning before you get to the crosswalk is a great piece."
Street said it was nice to see this come forward and all of council recognizes this as a need in that area.