Pedestrian improvements coming to Richmond and Churchill

Some time ago, I held a meeting with City staff, the Churchill Seniors Centre and Westboro Community Association to highlight the serious pedestrian safety challenges at the corner of Richmond and Churchill. Staff heard us and have been exploring potential improvements. I’m very pleased to say that the City appears ready to embark on some changes.

There are limits to what can be done at the intersection, including the right-of-way width and the fact that buildings are so close to the corner. Despite these issues, staff have come up with a plan to improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians here.

From city staff:

“The preferred intersection design alternative provides positive impacts at the intersection in terms of pedestrian safety. This alternative design includes a widened sidewalk on the north side of the intersection adjacent to the southbound Churchill Avenue curb lane, a curb extension at the southwest corner of the intersection, the removal of the bus bay and two parking spots on Richmond Road to the west side of the intersection with a corresponding increase in sidewalk width between the Seniors Centre and the intersection. The two parking spaces in this section will be relocated to immediately west of the bus stop.

Features and Benefits to this preferred design:

1. Widened sidewalk on northwest corner improves visibility for drivers and pedestrians and provides additional pedestrian queuing space.
2. Shortened the crossing distance for pedestrians on the north, south and west legs.
3. Removal of bus bay will allow larger, more comfortable pedestrian area on north side of Richmond Road.
4. Widened sidewalk on southwest corner provides additional queuing space for pedestrians
5. Expanded bulb-out on southwest corner will help reduce aggressive southbound motorist manoeuvres such as double through movements.”

There is still much work to do here, but staff tell our office the work should be completed in 2018, and if we’re really lucky, maybe sooner.