UBC and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) are working together on a series of safety improvements to West 16th Avenue between SW Marine Drive and Wesbrook Mall.
Roundabout Fact Sheet
For more information on the roundabout including why we are making the improvements, download the PDF fact sheet that contains all of the key information related to this project: English, Simplified Chinese or Korean.
Click the links for additional information on Construction Schedule and Traffic Management.
Summary of Safety Enhancements
The following is a summary of the safety enhancements that will be made on the 16th Avenue corridor from SW Marine Drive to Wesbrook Mall. :
- Addition of a mid block crossing with pedestrian activated overhead amber flashing lights between East Mall and Wesbrook Mall that connects with the multi-use pathway through Thunderbird Park.
- Addition of sidewalks and bike lanes on the north and side south of 16th Avenue between East Mall and Wesbrook Mall.
- Reduced speeds between Hampton Place and SW Marine Drive to achieve a consistent 50 kph speed limit on this corridor.
- Bus stops and shelters on the north and south side of 16th Avenue close to the mid-block crossing.
- Straightening of 16th Avenue between Wesbrook Mall and East Mall to improve sight-lines and visibility.
- Enhanced lighting above the minimum requirements at the mid block and along the corridor.
- Conversion of a signalized intersection at East Mall to a roundabout.
The following additional safety enhancements are also being incorporated into the corridor improvements in response to community concerns about pedestrian and cyclists safety:
- Placement of school zone signs along West 16th Avenue between Wesbrook Mall and East Mall and adjacent to U-Hill Secondary School (above left).
- Introduction of 30 km/hr advisory speed limit signs approaching the roundabout at Wesbrook Mall and the new roundabout at East Mall (above middle).
- At the mid-block crossing, the addition of an audible message notifying pedestrians when the overhead amber lights are flashing (above right).
- Addition of flashing orange lights with pedestrian crossing signage (rectangular rapid flash beacons) at the East Mall and Wesbrook Mall roundabouts to signal to drivers when pedestrians are in the crosswalk (below). UBC has requested installation of these lights at the wesbrook mall roundabout as soon as possible; however the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure must conduct an electrical design process prior to installation, which will delay installation until end of August 2013.
- Addition of tactile mats at the Wesbrook and East Mall roundabouts to improve safety of the crosswalks.
- Lighting of the corridor between Wesbrook Mall and East Mall which is above the minimum standards required by the Ministry in order to further enhance pedestrian and bicyclist visibility.
- UBC is investigating installation, of speed detection devices to be placed at the Wesbrook roundabout as soon as possible in order to alert drivers if they are traveling above the posted speed limit.
- UBC will be discussing initiation of a crossing guard program with the PAC.
Walk’n Roll
Ensuring the safety of the community is C+CP and the UNA’s first priority. In addition to the above design changes, UTown@UBC and the UNA have partnered to host Walk n’ Roll; a fun, community-based initiative to encourage active transportation, promote a safe and walkable community and build support for a Walking School Bus. A Walking School Bus will provide elementary and secondary students with a safe, active way of getting to school and supports sustainable transportation by reducing the number of cars traveling to and from the schools. It also provides the opportunity for UTown@UBC families to connect with one another and helps children develop friendships, become familiar with traffic safety, and become more active!
The campaign will kick off with a week-long celebration of safe, sustainable transportation from May 27th to 31st, to coincide with Bike to Work Week. A dedicated committee of parents and volunteers from the community, including high school students has been actively involved in the planning process for Walk n’ Roll.
As part of this initiative, C+CP and the UNA have surveyed elementary and secondary students on the most common routes taken to school and are working with transportation planners to identify the safest walking and cycling routes. Educational materials on safe walking and biking behavior will be developed for families and a promotional campaign will be launched to help encourage students to getting walking n’ rolling!
UNA Board Presentation
On April 9th UBC provided an update to the UNA Board on the the improvements to 16th Ave, and the steps being taken to respond to community concerns. Click here to download the presentation made to the UNA Board on April 9th.
