SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon will add another pedestrian crossing at 22nd Street West to increase motorists' and pedestrians' safety. The new crossing is at Avenue X.
Installing a more visible pedestrian crossing along 22nd Street West aims to prevent collisions involving pedestrians. A supermarket is right across from Avenue X.
According to the Saskatoon Police Service, seven pedestrian-related collisions were reported last year, compared to only three in 2022.
A pedestrian who died was among the three reported in 2022. There is only one reported incident involving a pedestrian midway in the year.
City Transportation Director Jay Magus said pedestrian safety in the area, once completed, will improve further.
“Right now, there are no pavement markings or illuminated signals to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing at this high-traffic location,” said Magus.
The grant of $78,000 will go toward a pedestrian-activated signal at the intersection, pavement markings and signage. The grant came from photo speed enforcement proceeds.
The pedestrian crossing at 22nd Street and Avenue X, expected to be operational this fall, will signal drivers to stop.
Traffic safety grants, like the one received for the 22nd Street and Avenue X intersection, are awarded to communities twice a year.
The administration will continue to submit fund-granting applications to further enhance traffic safety in other intersections and school zones in the city.
The project is one of 55 funded through the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant, which totals over $1.3 million. Forty-nine communities in Saskatchewan are recipients of the grant.
Speed display signs and speed bumps will be installed in Arcola as part of the town's traffic safety improvements. Cote First Nation and Moose Jaw are among the recipients of the grant.
A youth artwork installation will be in place on Cote First Nation to discourage impaired driving, while Moose Jaw will have a new pedestrian crossing to protect vulnerable road users.
For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety.