Prince Rupert mayor Herb Pond said the new roundabout at McBride Street and Second Avenue has improved traffic flow and made the intersection safer.
The roundabout, which has been under construction since the spring, is now open to traffic. During construction, the intersection was closed putting a strain on Third Avenue, especially during the 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. hours. The opening of the roundabout has eased up traffic on Third Avenue, Pond said.
“With the roundabout open it means we can go back to using our regular routes to move around the community. We’ve been under construction for quite a time, and we’ve put extra pressure on other corridors. So it’s nice to have just the free flow of traffic again.”
The Prince Rupert roundabout was put in place to improve safety. According to ICBC, a roundabout can reduce crashes causing injury by 75 per cent as well as increasing pedestrian safety. It is clear that roundabouts improve safety, said Pond.
“I’ve watched a number of pedestrians use the crosswalk indicator. It’s a safer crossing for pedestrians. So all in all, I think it’s achieved the goal that the Ministry of Transportation set out when they planned the project.”
Along with improving safety, the roundabout has also improved the area visually, said Pond.
“The roundabout really beautifies that whole area, it has opened it up, and now we have a beautiful view of the courthouse building, which is one of Prince Rupert’s most significant architectural buildings. When you’re coming down McBride, you have a broader view of the ocean.”
