Pedestrian safety improvements are beginning this week at a notorious intersection in Saanich.
The District of Saanich is following up on a promise it made to continue road safety improvements after the tragic death of a 16-year- old in December 2021 and an incident last week which resulted in a cyclist suffering from a broken leg.
At approximately 9:45 p.m. on December 6th 2021, 16-year-old Kaydence Bourque was struck by a vehicle in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Hill Cross Road and Merriman Drive.
The high school student had just gotten off the bus and was less than 100 metres from his home when he was struck.
Bourque was rushed to Victoria General Hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries. He did not regain consciousness and his organs were donated to help eight others.
In the two months since, Saanich community members have rallied to continue to pressure the city to speed up its 30-year active transportation plan.
Last week, cyclist Paul O’Callaghan was struck by a trailer being towed by a pickup truck driver in the same area Bourque was killed.
The incident resulted in O’Callaghan’s leg being broken.
According to Global News’ coverage of the incident, several witnesses came to his aid, including Crystal Bourque, Kaydence’s mother who had rushed out from her home to help and call 911.
Now, the District of Saanich has announced improvements to Cedar Hill Cross road will begin on February 18th.
“This work is in response to the community’s desire to see immediate safety improvements on this section of road,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.
“We heard you and we are taking action.”
According to the release, public works crews will install:
- delineators on the centreline on either side of the crosswalk near Merriman Drive;
- a new street light overtop of the crosswalk;
- new rectangular rapid flashing beacons to replace round flashing beacons;
- new delineators along Cedar Hill Cross Road providing separation from the road and asphalt sidewalk;
- an advanced crosswalk ahead advisory sign; and
- “single file” advisory signs for cyclists in both approaches.
Saanich Police will also install a temporary speed reader board.
