Abstract Manager

Crosswalks have a key role in pedestrian networks everywhere, but crosswalk application and design in the City of Victoria is continually advancing to increasingly support pedestrian safety and connectivity. In years past, the City delivered on average 5-15 crosswalk projects per year in response to community requests, land use changes, and in strategic coordination with various projects. As part of our commitment to Vision Zero, including emphasis on active transportation work and pedestrian priority environments, more crosswalk projects are accelerating, with transportation staff now delivering on average approximately 30-40 crosswalks per year.

While the number of crosswalk project locations has increased, so has the scale and scope of these projects. More costly crosswalk design elements including RRFBs, curb bulges, medians, and other design and accessibility features are becoming typical practice, to better enhance pedestrian safety and meet the diverse needs of pedestrians. RRFBs have become one of the bread and butter components of Victoria’s crosswalk upgrades, with 10-20 RRFBS installed each year, a level anticipated to continue in the next few years. Victoria crosswalks with > 5,000 vehicles/day are identified for an RRFB upgrade, and it’s likely that most crosswalks on major streets will be upgraded to this treatment over time. To make our dollars go further, staff are continually refining options around RRFB electrical setup and equipment types, as well as actively trying to anticipate and future-proof locations for anticipated cross-section and design changes as part of future programs.

In addition, Covid-era legacy projects that were installed in 2020 to establish more pedestrian space in the city and accommodate physical distancing requirements at the time, have now created major opportunities for improved crossings, pedestrian streets, and car-free spaces, with City Council recently directing the establishment of more road closures to establish pedestrian plazas  around schools and parks.The size and scale of these projects have led to key lessons learn around delivering crosswalk and pedestrian priority project, with respect to planning, communication, and implementation practices.