Walk this way: City adds three new pedestrian crossovers

Attention local drivers: the city has installed some new pedestrian crosswalks, so be careful out there.

In a news release issued today, the City of Sault Ste. Marie officially announced the recent activation of three new pedestrian crossovers at "strategic locations across the municipality."

The locations of the three new crossovers are: 

• Goulais Avenue at Rushmere Drive
• Pine Street at Pleasant Drive
• Carmen’s Way at Albert Street

For more information, see the full release below from the city: 

To enhance pedestrian safety, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is activating a series of new pedestrian crossovers at strategic locations across the municipality. The newly activated pedestrian crossovers are located at:

• Goulais Avenue at Rushmere Drive
• Pine Street at Pleasant Drive
• Carmen’s Way at Albert Street

Current pedestrian crossover locations include Queen Street East at Churchill Boulevard; Wellington Street West at Beverly Street; St. Georges Avenue near St. Basil Catholic School; Queen Street West near Esposito Park; Bay Street at Pim Street; and Bay Street at Spring Street.

Crossovers utilize ladder pavement markings to identify the crossing area, outline a clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop, and provide roadside signs, flashing lights, and overhead signage.

When approaching a crossover, motorists and cyclists must come to a complete stop when pedestrians are present, indicating their intent to cross. Traffic must remain stopped until pedestrians reach the opposite sidewalk. Pedestrians must cross only at marked crossovers and wait for traffic to stop before crossing. Tailgating pedestrians as they cross the road constitutes an offense under the Highway Traffic Act and motorists can be charged. When pedestrians have cleared the crossover, motorists and cyclists can proceed through as normal.

Motorists failing to yield to pedestrians at these crossings include a fine of $365 and four demerit points. Similarly, pedestrians who enter the path of oncoming vehicles face fines of up to $50.

Cyclists are required to dismount their bicycles before crossing at these designated locations, with penalties mirroring those applicable to pedestrians.

For more information visit saultstemarie.ca/traffic or contact the City’s Engineering and Construction department at 705-759-5378.