10-07-2025
Waterloo Region testing new pedestrian safety measures at roundabouts
The roundabout at Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road in Kitchener is pictured on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. (Brian Dunseith / CTV Kitchener)
Pedestrians will soon see new safety enhancements at select roundabouts in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.
The Region of Waterloo said the pilot program aims to protect people crossing through the busy traffic circles, whether they are on foot or on a bicycle.
New button-activated flashing lights will added to the roundabout at Franklin Boulevard and Bishop Street in Cambridge, while raised crosswalks will be installed at Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road in Kitchener.
In Waterloo, button-activated flashing lights and raised crosswalks will be placed at the Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard roundabout.
The region said the three locations were chosen based on pedestrian volumes, collision history, presence of multiple lanes and geographic distribution.
'These enhancements are designed to safeguard our most vulnerable road users while aligning with our climate and growth goals,' Colleen James, regional councillor and chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee, in a media release. 'We look forward to receiving feedback from the community on these initiatives, as it will be crucial in guiding future decisions about roundabout construction and retrofits.'
Once construction is complete, a survey will be available through EngageWR. That feedback will then be presented to regional council in 2026.
Construction of the new safety features is expected to begin later this month.
More to come.
