Peace Bridge crosswalk on Memorial to address hundreds of jaywalkers

Four years after the Peace Bridge opened, the city is installing a crosswalk and lights to the west of the span, allowing access across Memorial Driveat 9th Street.

"People don't have to worry about crossing through the road where there are cars driving," said city spokespersonPoojaThakore."Having the signal will make it much safer for people driving and walking, it's a more predictable experience."

She said an average of 200 people jaywalk in that location every day.

Mixed reaction

Pam Tzeng, who took advantage of a break in traffic to run across Memorial Drive on Saturday, is happy to hear about the lights.

"I'm super excited, I will no longer have to jaywalk," she said with a laugh.

Not everyone is happy about the new lights, however.

"I think we have two walkways already and we don't need a third walkway on Memorial Drive," said Wendy Hansen.

"If people just obeyed the traffic signals that are there,that children already learn in Kindergarten, Grade1, 2, 3.... We don't need it."

Construction on the project has already begun and is expected to be finished by the end of fall.

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