Putting pedestrians first in downtown Oshawa

Whitby, Ontario – Five intersections in downtown Oshawa are getting a pedestrian-friendly update to their traffic control signals.

Previously, to address historical traffic patterns, some of the approaches at these intersections gave cars an eight-second period to proceed before the pedestrian signal changed to allow pedestrians to cross the street. As these patterns have changed over time, signal operations are being updated to better suit current operational and safety goals. Beginning October 5, these intersections will be updated so that pedestrians may cross the intersection at the same time as vehicles—the same as all other signalized intersections in Durham.

The following intersections, in downtown Oshawa, will be affected:

• Centre Street and Bond Street
• Centre Street and King Street
• Bond Street and Simcoe Street
• Simcoe Street and Athol Street
• Simcoe Street and King Street

Drivers should remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way when crossing with the light at a traffic signal. Learn more about traffic control signals and traffic safety at durham.ca/traffic.

“Downtown Oshawa is the one of the most pedestrian-heavy areas in Durham Region, so it’s important that it is a safe, pedestrian-friendly place to get around,” says Steven Kemp, Manager of Traffic Engineering and Operations for Durham Region. “Our team analyzed traffic flows in this area and we anticipate minimal impacts, but we want to remind drivers who travel in this area to slow down, pay attention to the changes and obey all signs and signals.”

As part of the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan, Durham Region is studying and budgeting for additional measures to improve walkability and pedestrian safety in downtown Oshawa, such as pedestrian countdown timers and ladder markings at pedestrian crossings.

Durham Vision Zero is a long-term plan to ensure a safe transportation system that sees no lives lost or serious injuries on Durham’s roadways. Learn more at durham.ca/VisionZero.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.