By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
Look out for those new speed cushions coming to Meadows Drive in Oliver.
Due to ongoing speed concerns, lack of visibility, and multiple requests from Heritage House Assisted Living Residence, the Town of Oliver has decided to temporarily install speed cushions to slow traffic down.
A speed cushion is similar to a speed hump, except that it does not cover the entire road. It has space for a “middle lane” with a width designed to allow large vehicles such as a bus, ambulance or fire truck to pass through without difficulty.
The report created by Oliver town staff explained that Heritage House has been requesting that the town address speeding concerns on Meadows Drive since November 2022.
After receiving a letter from the living facility addressing speeding concerns by the residents of Heritage House, the Public Works Department for the town had the crosswalk evaluated.
In February of 2023, the town made changes to the signage around the crosswalk, including adding Briteside reflective panels to increase the visibility of the crosswalk.
Concerns about speeding in the area did not subside. In November 2023, Public Works went further and installed a “solar Rapid Repeating Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system at the intersection of Salamander Avenue and Meadows Drive.
In March of 2024, the town received yet another letter from Heritage House requesting that the town change the area to a 30 km/hr speed zone.
The town then conducted “an evaluation” that included speed reader data and pedestrian counts, which “concluded that posting a 30 km/h speed zone was not warranted.”
Street view looking north.
Google Maps photo
Later that year, in December 2024, Heritage House sent yet another petition requesting the 30 km/hr speed limit again.
The town explained that “similar speed zone changes on McKinney Road have been shown through speed reader data to not have influenced the average or maximum speeds in the area.”
In the council discussion, Mayor Martin Johansen explained that “I do agree that 30 km/hr speed signs don’t really change people’s habits, and it’s interesting that the recorded data indicates that as well.
“As someone who drives that road regularly, I’m in favour of putting something there temporarily. But the real problem is definitely related to the curb extensions and people being visible. Especially coming from the south heading north, you can’t see someone coming out of Heritage House and into the crosswalk areas”.
Council was in agreement that a temporary solution, “speed cushions,” should be implemented, but the larger issue must be addressed.
Wayne Anderson, chief administrative officer (CAO) for the town, also explained in his report to council that “the addition of curb extensions on both sides of the crosswalk may be the best long-term solution. This would shorten the travel distance and make the pedestrian more visible to traffic prior to stepping onto the crosswalk.”
So, the town will temporarily install the speed cushions, and staff will be coming back to council with costing for curb extensions in that area.
Sean Kennedy, manager of public works explained that in order to pursue the curb extension idea, “we need to do a design, get costs together . . . apply to ICBC Road Improvement Program to see if there is any additional funding that we could apply to this and lower the burden to the town.”
Anderson also explained that the funding to order the speed cushions is already available, as there is an annual amount for operating curbs and sidewalks.
Although he did further note that there is no timeline on how long it may take the speed cushions to come in.
Although council agreed extending the curbs on the road would help the situation, Councillor Petra Veintimilla explained that “it’s just an odd road, that it’s so wide then becomes so narrow, probably until there is housing and sidewalks all along from one end to another this is going to be an issue.”
Councillor David Mattes agreed that the “best long-term solution is to develop that area”.
