While pedestrians crossing Thatcher Drive West near Fourth Avenue Northwest may feel like they’re playing a game of chicken because of the traffic volume, safety upgrades could soon be coming.
During its Nov. 14 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to discuss and consider installing pedestrian-crossing lights at that T-intersection during 2023 budget deliberations.
Mayor Clive Tolley was absent because of illness.
It’s easy to see how busy that intersection — and crosswalk — is when coming from east or west on Thatcher Drive, especially since many drivers zip into the right lane when other motorists turn left, said Coun. Dawn Luhning, who moved the motion.
“It’s getting pretty dangerous there,” she stated.
Luhning hoped council would consider installing pedestrian-crossing lights there because of the increase in foot-traffic volume, acknowledging it would first need cost estimates and a discussion during the budget. Yet, she hoped they could do something to better address safety there.
Coun. Doug Blanc agreed, noting he believes traffic lights might be better because of how many people enter and leave Thatcher Drive from Fourth Avenue Northwest. However, he thought that idea should wait until city hall finishes its master transportation plan.
“I would be very curious to see what type of traffic we actually have utilizing the Fourth Avenue off of Thatcher,” said Coun. Crystal Froese. “It seems to have increased exponentially the last couple of years.”
City administration discussed this T-intersection a few months ago and agrees that the logistics of that area “are pretty scary” and poor for pedestrians, said city manager Jim Puffalt. They believe that traffic lights may be needed because it’s difficult for some motorists to enter and exit that area at certain times of the day.
Pedestrians must also be aware of traffic when crossing because the driving lane is narrow, he added. City administration knows it needs to review that intersection and appreciates city council pushing forward this issue.
“I walked by there a few times — several times, actually — and at certain times of the day, when Sask. Poly students and folks walking down to the high schools are crossing there, it is quite dangerous,” said Coun. Jamey Logan. “I will be excited to look at the different options (for that area) when they come to us at budget.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Nov. 28.
