About this project

A pedestrian signal is planned for the intersection of William Street and Oxford Street that would allow people walking and cycling to cross Oxford Street safely. The new signalized crossing will restrict straight-through and left-turn movements for vehicles from William Street turning onto Oxford Street.

Above: Map graphic illustrating how motor vehicle traffic will operate with the new signalized crossing.

Above:  Overhead view of the signalized crossing for active transportation.

Background

Currently there is a 700 metre gap between the existing signalized crossings on Oxford Street at Colborne Street and Adelaide Street. For people walking or cycling on William Street or Maitland Street and hoping to cross Oxford Street, it can mean an additional three to eight minutes of travel time to use the nearby signalized crossings. Since Oxford Street is a wide road with heavy traffic volumes, finding a safe gap in traffic can be challenging.

Adding a pedestrian and bicycle signal will improve safety for those already crossing at William Street and reduce delay for people walking and cycling between Old North and the Piccadilly Area Neighbourhood.

To give cyclists a safe place to wait for the signal away from traffic, the crossing design restricts vehicles on William Street from going straight or turning left onto Oxford Street. This will impact less than 150 vehicles per day; these vehicles can choose an alternate route such as Adelaide Street or Maitland Street to cross or access Oxford Street.

Timing

Construction is scheduled to take place in fall 2022 with minimal traffic or walking impacts. There have been significant supply chain issues with traffic signal equipment, so construction timing will depend on the availability of supplies.