Accessibility upgrades have been added to intersections across the city, in order to make crossing more safe. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

City of Lethbridge implementing changes to roads, infrastructure

Aug 28, 2023 | 12:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Changes are coming to the roads in Lethbridge.

The City of Lethbridge has made road safety for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists a priority, as highlighted in both the Transportation Master Plan, and the Transportation Safety Plan.

One major project that sought feedback from the public was the City’s school zone harmonization. The City heard from over 2,000 residents regarding the change.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, school zones will be converted to year-round playground zones with a 30 km/hour maximum speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge harmonizing playground and school zones

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

2h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

Transportation Engineering Manager Ahmed Ali said, “Everyone wants to live in a community where they feel safe to walk, drive and bike safely. If residents feel safer in being able to navigate their neighbourhood, they’re more likely to get out, walk and explore.”

Another project highlighted by the City is improvements to accessible intersections. Audible push buttons have been installed, as have the following features:

• A bright yellow color to clearly indicate where the button is
• A locator tone to help people find the button
• A large tactile arrow to help people determine which direction the button is associated with
• Motion sensor on button to activate the crosswalk, hands-free
• A red light that will confirm that the button was pushed
• Additional features when the button is held down for three seconds:
  • User will hear a click sound to indicate that the additional features have been activated
  • An audible “wait” message until the walk signal is active
  • An audible “cuckoo” for north-south crosswalks, and a “chirp” for east-west crosswalks
  • Pedestrians are given a longer crossing time

In addition, more accessible improvements have been added to other intersections in the city.

These include the installation of 29 accessibility ramps, new Audible Pedestrian Signals at seven intersections, and programming 11 intersections to work with the pedestrian mobile app.

Ali explained, “A city with an active transportation network that has many modes of mobility for people of all levels of accessibility is a healthier community. We look forward to providing more ways for residents to get around and explore our beautiful city.”

Information on projects can be found at www.getinvolvedlethbridge.ca, where residents can also provide feedback.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.