Pedestrian safety upgrades coming for busy Courtenay intersection

Pedestrian safety upgrades coming for busy Courtenay intersection
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The intersection at Ryan Road and Cowichan Avenue is getting safety upgrades in Courtenay

Pedestrians trying to cross Ryan Road at the Cowichan Avenue intersection will soon be able to do so without jaywalking, as the province announces safety upgrades.

A new pedestrian signal is being installed to improve safety and accessibility for those crossing both the Ryan Road corridor and over to the North Island College and Comox Valley Aquatic Centre.

The decision to install a pedestrian crossing was made with approval from the City of Courtenay and supports the city’s transportation master plan.

“Through extensive consultation in recent years for Courtenay’s transportation master plan, it was made clear to us that Ryan Road was an area of concern for people who walk, cycle and use mobility aids, particularly with the number of students in and around this area,” said Bob Wells, mayor of Courtenay.

On top of adding pedestrian signals, the existing concrete islands will be replaced and will include wheelchair-accessible ramps.

The intersection will be repainted and cyclists will benefit from dedicated pushbuttons adjacent to Cowichan Avenue.

“Improved safety at this spot will allow people to more easily cross on foot and will help encourage more people to use active transport like cycling in our community,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox.

Construction on the safety upgrades will begin next week, with completion expected in early April.

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Rebecca LawrenceRebecca Lawrence

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