The municipality is preparing to take the next step towards making roadways safer for pedestrians across Chatham-Kent.
On Monday night, administration will ask council to approve a contract for work on installing pedestrian crossings at various downtown areas across the municipality.
After completing a pilot project to review downtown locations where pedestrian safety could be improved, the engineering department is hoping to bring PXO Type D crossings to the following sites:
- King Street West, west of Fourth Street in Chatham
- King Street West, east of Sixth Street in Chatham
- St. George Street South, south of Lindsley Street in Dresden
- Main Street East, east of Albert Avenue in Ridgetown
- London Road mid-way between Lemuel Street and Ann Street in Thamesville
- Queen Street North, south of Prospect Street in Tilbury
- James Street, east of William Street in Wallaceburg
- Talbot Street West, west of Catherine Street in Blenheim
The PXO Type D type crossing design consists of only signs and pavement markings with no electrical devices, flashing beacons or pushbuttons. According to the staff report, this design is suitable for downtown areas, which tend to have lower speed limits.
"Preliminary design drawings were sent to the respective Business Improvement Areas for consultation," read the report. "The feedback received was positive for each of the locations. The exception is in Thamesville, which does not have a Business Improvement Area. Notification of the planned Pedestrian Crossover will be sent to the area property owners and businesses before construction."
The project cost is listed as $180,797 and, if approved, will be awarded to a Sarnia based company.
Curb drops and sidewalk ramps with tactile plates will be installed at each PXO crosswalk. Signs warning drivers of the new crosswalks will also be installed for a period of time.
The specified completion date of the contract work is May 28, 2021.