After weeks of delay, a new traffic signal has been installed to help protect children crossing West 16th.
The busy crossing at West 16th and Binning Road has long been described by residents, UNA directors, and university officials as dangerous for pedestrians – particularly schoolchildren on their way to Norma Rose Point Elementary.
The installation of the full traffic signal featuring the standard green, yellow, and red lights for drivers, along with walk/don’t walk signals for pedestrians replaces the pedestrian-activated flashing light that previously managed crossings.
Many pedestrians using the crosswalk have welcomed the change; however, one father of two children attending Norma Rose told The Campus Resident motorists are confused with the new arrangement and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street, regardless of what colour the traffic light is.
“I think it will take some getting used to,” he said.
The upgrade is seen as crucial to protect children crossing West 16th. According to UNA data, over 900 people—mostly children and parents—use the crossing daily, and there have been numerous incidents of speeding drivers ignoring the previous pedestrian signal.
“As a parent, I am greatly concerned that not upgrading it could one day have catastrophic consequences, and I urge the authorities to take action immediately,” Mark Sissons, a Wesbrook Mall resident and father of a nine-year-old student at Norma Rose Point Elementary, told The Campus Resident while installation of the new signal was taking place.
ADA BUCUR IS A CAMPUS RESIDENT, POSSESSES A GRAPHIC DESIGN DIPLOMA, A PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE, AND OVER TWO DECADES OF JOURNALISM EXPERTISE GAINED IN HER NATIVE ROMANIA.
*WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM EMMANUEL SAMOGLOU