New Traffic Signals Coming to Lerwick Road Intersection

New traffic signals are being installed on Lerwick Road at Malahat Drive, improving safety for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians at this east Courtenay intersection. The signals will be activated in late July.

Lesley Hatch, municipal engineer for the City of Courtenay, said the improvements will address changing traffic patterns and volumes, as well as follow up on a consultant’s recommendations for this intersection. “These changes were recommended as part of a traffic impact assessment that was done for the East Courtenay Thrifty Foods development application,” advised Hatch.

The improvements will include full traffic controls and signals. Pedestrians will have access to audible crossing signals, countdown display timers, and accessible push buttons. For cyclists, bicycle markings will show the best location to activate the traffic signals.

Other intersection improvements will include a sound-activated sensor to control the signals when emergency vehicles approach, and a battery back-up allowing the traffic signals to continue operating for a limited time during power outages.

During construction, the impact on vehicle traffic is expected to be minimal. Crews will be on-site from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. When work on the roadway is required, traffic control personnel will be on hand to assist all road users, including cyclists.

Pedestrian access will be affected during construction, with sidewalks closed on the south side of Malahat Drive. Pedestrians will be redirected to the north side.

While some advance preparations began in mid-June, most of the work will start after the last day of school on June 27 to minimize the impact on commuters.

The new traffic signals will replace the existing overhead pedestrian crossing beacons installed in 2007.

For more information, please contact the City of Courtenay engineering division at 250-334-4441 or email engineering@courtenay.ca.