Pedestrian safety at the intersection of 6th Avenue South and Main Street in Martensville should improve as a result of the planned installation of a solar-powered flashing beacon to illuminate the crosswalk.
Martensville City Council voted at its meeting October 6 to allocate $19,000 for the illumination equipment.
The decision was made following weeks of discussion by council on the type of crosswalk lighting and potential crosswalk locations.
The locations were eventually narrowed down to two intersections: 6th Avenue South and Main Street; and 3rd Street North near the Kyle Syrenne Skate Park.
City council had earmarked $12,000 earlier this year in its 2020 budget for installation of the city’s first illuminated crosswalk. However, the cost of the project has gone up since the budget was set.
A report from city administration presented to the October 6 council meeting recommended the flashing beacons be installed on 3rd Street North.
However, most councillors said they preferred the lights be installed at the intersection on Main Street because of its proximity to the Martensville Sports Centre.
“There’s a lot of kids crossing the street to get to the rink,” said Martensville City Councillor Jamie Martens. “It’s always dark there in the winter. That’s where it’s most needed.”
The location at 6th and Main, however, has a number of underground utility lines which could make installation more difficult and potentially take longer.
Martensville city administration is slated to come back to council with a report on the cost and timetable for installation of the pedestrian lights.
The illuminated beacons may be installed and maintained by the City of Saskatoon. The City of Martensville is currently working on a contract with the City of Saskatoon to have Saskatoon municipal technicians help with maintenance and repairs of Martensville’s traffic lights. The illuminated crosswalks would be included in the traffic light maintenance contract.