The city of Prince George started upgrading the crosswalk on Ospika Boulevard and 1st Avenue this morning (Thursday).

The crossing was the site of an incident that left 18-year-old Sean Lode with life-threatening injuries in May, pushing the city to make a number of crosswalks safer for pedestrians.

Lode has since made a full recovery and was ‘thrilled’ with the City’s decision to upgrade the crossing following a petition started by his family. 

A “rectangular rapid flashing beacon” design will be added, allowing pedestrians to activate flashing lights meant to alert motorists of their presence.

The new design will allow pedestrians to push a button to activate flashing lights meant to further alert motorists to the presence of pedestrians at the crossing.

The project is scheduled to be completed by early next month.

A similar upgrade was installed earlier this month at the crosswalk on Ospika at Davis Road.

Both crosswalk enhancements were recommended as part of the City’s first-ever Pedestrian Crossing Strategy, which was received by Council this summer.

43 local crossings were recommended for upgrade or installation of the 202 that were evaluated.

Of the projects, 26 crosswalks will see upgrades and 17 will be installed.

Earlier in the year, the City installed a new crosswalk on Massey Drive near Coyle Street and Foot Street by Ginter’s Meadow.