Improving traffic safety on Hamilton Avenue

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/11/2021 (1598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A recently released traffic study on Hamilton Avenue calls for several changes to be made to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety on the street.

In June 2020, a serious traffic collision at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Crestview Park Drive prompted several calls and emails to my office by area residents expressing concerns about speeding, collisions and near misses along Hamilton Avenue over the past several years.

Within a week of the accident, I requested that the City of Winnipeg public works department conduct a traffic analysis and report publicly with recommendations to improve safety.

The study examined traffic volumes, speed and collision history, taking into account the fact volumes may have been lower than typical due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights of the report include the finding that average daily traffic volumes on Hamilton Avenue is 3,100 to 4,300 vehicles per day. This is lower than other major residential collector streets, which typically see 5,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day.  

The analysis found the average speed of traffic is 51 km/h, in line with the 50 km/h speed limit but that on some sections of the street speeds were closer to 60 km/h. The study also notes that 114 collisions were reported during the five-year period between 2015-2019. Of those, 27 resulted in non-fatal injury and two resulted in fatal injury.

In an effort to make Hamilton Avenue safer, the report details three solutions, recommended by city traffic engineers, that will be implemented shortly using existing city budgets.

The three solutions include:

• Installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue, Crestview Park Drive and Parkhill Street;

• Transit stops between Parkhill Street/Crestview Park Drive and Wharton Boulevard will be consolidated at a new four-way stop to encourage pedestrians to cross at the intersection rather than crossing the street mid-block.

• Pavement markings and lane lines will be added to Hamilton Avenue. These lines narrow travel lanes and widen parking lanes, which may assist to reduce speeding on the street.
The report also proposes solutions to be considered in the medium to longer term, after additional study and budget availability.

These future possibilities include:

• Adding curb extensions (chokers) and speed tables on Hamilton Avenue to slow speeds;

• Adding a bike lane (after public consultation);

• Upgrading the pedestrian crosswalk at Rogan Drive by adding a set of flashing lights known as a rectangular rapid flashing beacon.

I want to thank the area residents for requesting that something be done to make Hamilton Avenue safer for everyone. Changes are coming because of your efforts.

The traffic study on Hamilton Avenue is available on the city’s website at www.winnipeg.ca
Alternatively, feel free to email scottgillingham@winnipeg.ca or call 204-986-5848 and I will send a copy to you.