New pedestrian safety improvements at two intersections on Ritson Road in Oshawa

Whitby, Ontario – In support of Durham Vision Zero, the Region of Durham will be implementing leading pedestrian intervals, pedestrian countdown signals and ladder crosswalk line markings at two intersections on Ritson Road (Regional Road 16) in Oshawa.

When: Week of August 24. Unfavourable weather conditions may influence the work schedule.

Where: The intersection of Simcoe Street (Regional Road 2) and Ritson Road, and the intersection of Ritson Road and Coldstream Drive, in the City of Oshawa.

Why: The leading pedestrian intervals will improve pedestrian safety by allowing pedestrians to enter the intersection five seconds before vehicles receive a green indication signal. This enhancement allows pedestrians to have a greater presence and advance visibility in the crosswalk before vehicles begin to make their turns. Pedestrian countdown signals, installed at Simcoe Street and Ritson Road, will provide a numeric countdown display that will let pedestrians know how much time they have left to cross before the signal indication turns red. The intersections will also be improved with ladder markings—striped pavement markings painted within the pedestrian crosswalks, parallel to the drivers’ direction of travel—to increase driver awareness and visibility of pedestrians crossing. Prohibitions for turning on a red light are being considered and may be installed in early October.

Note: Minor traffic disruptions are anticipated while crews implement the new safety improvements. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to exercise additional caution for everyone’s safety.

This initiative is in support of Durham Vision Zero, a long-term, multi-agency strategy to create safer roads for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more at durham.ca/VisionZero.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.