CITY – New flashing beacons to enhance pedestrian safety at two intersections

New warning signals will go live on Monday (Dec. 7) to enhance pedestrian safety at two Kamloops intersections.

The City’s Transportation Division is installing the new equipment and technology. The lights are called rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and are going in mid-block on Tranquille Road between Knox Street and Palm Street as well as at the intersection of Summit Drive and Robson Drive.

The RRFB crosswalk system is the latest, state-of-the-art technology and the first of its kind in Kamloops. RRFBs feature high-intensity, pedestrian-activated LED flashing lights that are exceptionally noticeable for drivers during both the day and at night, and are visible when headlight glare, wet roads, or other situations create difficult lighting conditions.

“Providing residents with safe walking environments is one of our objectives from the Transportation Master Plan,” said Purvez Irani, the City’s Transportation Manager.

“The RRFB system will enhance pedestrian safety in these high-traffic corridors and we look forward to installing more throughout the City in the coming years.”

The Transportation Division is also undertaking traffic signal optimization in the downtown core, which includes the installation of lead pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at every crosswalk.

The LPIs give pedestrians a head start at signalized intersections by providing an advanced “walk” signal while the lights remain red for vehicles. The head start reduces vehicle-pedestrian conflict by enhancing the pedestrian visibility and reinforcing their right-of-way over turning vehicles.

This type of signal is also the first of its kind in Kamloops and will be new to drivers and pedestrians.